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Mens Sana In Corpore Sano +

What's the probability of your child becoming a professional soccer player like Maradona, David Beckham or Ronaldinho? If you consider the probability, it is most likely insignificant, or even none at all, but do you think it is a waste of time for your child to play soccer? If you say yes, I would disagree with you.

Probably you've never been to a soccer match where your child plays. For me, it is really engaging and exciting to watch my child play soccer in the Coca Cola Schools Football league 2009 (www.jakartafootball.com). The Jakarta International Multicultural School (JIMS) has now played five times, winning four and losing one game. This coming Sunday we are going to play against a strong team, and I told the kids that I would take all of them to go bowling if they won the match. You should have seen them all getting pumped up to win the game.

Your child could have a healthy body by doing swimming, jogging or riding bicycle. But soccer is not just about physical exercise. Playing soccer is about making quick assessment regarding a changing environment. Watch closely when your child gets the ball. He/she glances quickly to see where his/her team mates and opponents stand and more than that, he/she has to anticipate where they will move in the coming seconds. After doing all of the assessment and anticipation, he/she then makes a decision what to do with the ball. Should he/she dribble the ball or pass it to another team player, and which team player? Your child has to do all of those in seconds. Otherwise, the opponents would snatch the ball away.

Playing soccer is like living in the fast lane since every second counts. I wish I had played soccer when I was a kid. I would be better equipped to think strategically and make decisions faster when I have to give my opinion during an important meeting with my boss or with a prospective client. Never let your boss or prospective client grow a beard waiting for you to come up with a decision.

I know those were wise Romans who came up with a wonderful idea of mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body). But during the time of the Roman Empire, only adults played Harpastum (an early form of soccer played by 5-12 players). Julius Caesar even used Harpastum to maintain the physical fitness of his soldiers in order to keep them battle ready. Those Romans were just too busy waging wars and plotting coups to teach their children to play Harpastum and organize competition for them. They did not realize that there is much more in it than just mens sana in corpore sano.

Alexander Irwan Ph.D, JIMS Board Member