Simon Clifford, fonder of Brazilian Soccer Schools, offers his thoughts on a letter received from one of our parents in Portsmouth, England.
"Since we began in 1996 we have been striving to raise the level of football, and moreover football coaching, in the UK and around the globe using one fundamental point made by Juninho as our underlining principle.The then Middlesbrough midfielder stressed the need for individuals to aspire to be better people first, and that improvement in one's game would follow."
This was also a notion that the many former greats BSS founder Simon Clifford met with during several research trips to Brazil pertained to, including Pele, Zico, Rivelino and Socrates also highlighted.BSS franchisees and coaches around the globe have a unique opportunity to positively impact on young people's lives whatever their ambition. And it is for this reason that we were touched to hear of a letter BSS Portsmouth franchisee and head coach Leon Edwards received from John Lindley, the father of a member of the centre.
Whilst serving in the Military Police, John was attacked by four drunken men, an incident that left him registered disabled, in constant pain and with mobility issues. In an instant, avid sports fan John went from representing the Service in football, squad, tennis and boxing to being restricted to only minimal movement. When John's son, Andy, began expressing an interest in football, his father - unable to play or coach him himself - looked around for sessions that would cater for those new to the game without making them feel inferior. Having happened upon his local BSS centre in Portsmouth, Andy joined and hasn't looked back, both in terms of enjoyment and his development.Most poignantly in John's letter, however, was his comments on Andy's progression off-the-field. His dad commented on the increased confidence Andy now has as well as a new-found self-belief, highlighting the way in which each child is taught to beat their own targets rather than of the groups.
Whilst we as an organisation hope to transform the face of football, we also look to help each young person that attends our sessions develop away from the pitch. By promoting a positive attitude, regardless of abilities or backgrounds, we hope to inspire each player to follow and succeed in whatever they wish, and at the same time boost their confidence and self-belief. You can have the most technically-gifted player in the world but without the right attitude, the right beliefs and the right ethos, that talented may go wasted. Youngsters such as Andy can shine if they are given the support and encouragement they need from those around them, and our coaches, franchisees and players have a great opportunity to do this. Regardless of our numerous locations around the world, everybody involved with BSS can be reminded of why they got involved with the organisation in the first place, and can also feel proud of their ongoing work, from the letter below.
A copy of the letter received is included below:
Mr Simon Clifford
Dear Sir,
I would like to take this opportunity to express how Leon and his team at the Brazilian Soccer School in Portsmouth have helped not only my son, Andrew Lindley, but in turn the impact it has had on the rest of my family.Approximately seven years agowhilst serving in the Military Police, I was attacked one evening in the line of duty by four drunken men. As a result of that evening, it left me registered disabled with mobility issues and constant pain. Prior to the assault, I was extremely fit, representing the service at football, tennis, squash and boxing. As you can imagine, going from being a fully active person to relatively inactive was a very hard time and very difficult to accept and adjust.My son Andy showed a real passion in wanting to play football however I could see from watching him that he had limited skills and ability despite his enthusiasm. I wanted to improve his ability as all dads would however due to my disablement I was unable to.
This then left me with a dilemma as I wanted Andy to attend football coaching however knowing his ability, I didn't want to place him with a team or on a coaching course with kids of the same age but of higher ability.The reason I write Simon is to express how attending Brazilian football training has altered my son's whole perspective. For the first time in years Andy has found a great passion in playing football. This was primarily down to the friendliness of all staff when he first attended a few months ago. From the outset Leon, Louis, Lewis and Jamie all made both Andy and I feel extremely welcome.
Since Andy has been attending the football training, he is a changed lad. Firstly his football skills have increased two fold, however what is greater than that is that he has found personal confidence and self-belief in himself. This is all a result of attending Brazilian football. What is great to see is the constant encouragement throughout training regardless of ability and that they have created this playing atmosphere where all players respect one another in a fun and learning environment without arguments and outbreaks.
Leon and his team have helped Andy enormously and although he is learning to become a better footballer, he has also started to come out of his shell and become a better lad. My wife and I both agree that the transformation in him has been extraordinary.I have always felt very guilty that due to my accident I can't do the things with Andy such as having a kick-about on the local field etc. That was until recently. I try and watch Andy play football as much as I can as he loves it when I support him. It's also a great opportunity in seeng him doing something he loves so muchwith a smile on his face in such a friendly atmosphere.Can I please ask that you pass on my sincere thanks to Leon, Louis, Lewis and Jamieas together they have made a real difference in Andy's life. The lads are always polite and very professional in what they do, however above all that it is so clear that they have a real belief and passion in teaching the kids.
Yours sincerely,
John Lindley
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