Adapting to a New Soccer Culture

This article was written by Luke Mills, a 24-year-old Graduate Assistant Coach at Friends University. Luke previously played USL2 with FC Wichita in 2021 and for University of Houston Victoria before transitioning into coaching. He also played for Luton Town FC Academy when playing in England before coming out to the United States in 2018.

Read time: 4 minutes

My journey through the beautiful game has taken me across continents and through various soccer cultures. From my roots as a college player to my current role as a coach, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in different soccer environments, each offering unique challenges and rewards. In this article, I aim to share my insights, gained through my personal journey, about adapting to new soccer cultures. These experiences extend beyond the field, encompassing the relationships forged, mental challenges faced, and the unwavering quest for soccer wisdom. I hope my journey and the principles I've discovered can inspire and guide other players and enthusiasts as they navigate the often complex and diverse world of soccer.

Now, let's dive into how embracing change, building connections, fostering mental resilience, and expanding your horizons can help you thrive in the captivating world of soccer.

Embracing Change: The Path to Evolution

Moving to America pushed my game to a whole new level. I've always believed in training under different coaches throughout your career and experiencing the game in various ways. In England, I primarily played against people my age or a year above, but in the U.S., I suddenly found myself competing against individuals from all walks of life and different age groups. This required me to adapt and evolve. The traits that served me well in England didn't guarantee success in America. I had to grow and explore new ways to thrive on the field, enhancing my game IQ and expanding my skill set.

Building Connections: The Strength of Soccer Communities

Building connections and friendships is crucial, not just for soccer but for life in general. The soccer community is tightly knit, and you'd be amazed by how many people you meet who have connections with someone you know. When I arrived in America, I had the pleasure of meeting remarkable individuals who guided me on a path I wouldn't have traveled otherwise. I'm immensely grateful to those like Chris Handy, who provided my first opportunity in the U.S. The soccer community feels like an extended family. My newfound confidence in speaking with people, courtesy of this experience, allowed me to make many friends, learn from diverse coaches, and understand how influential people can be in your journey.

Mental Resilience: Overcoming Self-Criticism

One of the significant challenges I faced in transitioning to American soccer was the absence of my family at matches. In my youth, my parents were unwavering supporters, attending every game, regardless of the weather. Their unwavering commitment ensured I arrived at each practice on time and motivated me to pursue my dream. They were my most significant supporters, offering an objective perspective. However, once in America, they couldn't be on the line for every game. This lack of immediate feedback made me excessively critical of my own performances, and I often overestimated my mistakes while underappreciating my successes. I found it challenging to cultivate mental strength and view my performances positively. I was a Scholar All-American in a season where I felt dejected after many games, but it helped me realize the importance of mental health in soccer.

Expanding Horizons: The Value of Soccer Perspectives

Surrounding yourself with diverse soccer perspectives can significantly enhance your understanding of the game. Soccer is unique because there's no definitive way to play it. It's a matter of opinion, influenced by various factors. I've spent six years in America, played under four different coaches, and my knowledge and game IQ have grown more than during the 18 years I spent in England. My advice for those coming up in the game, including players transitioning to coaching, is to remain open to different systems and methods. Be inquisitive and receptive to the ideas and approaches of others. You may not embrace an entire system, but adopting even one element can make a significant difference for your team. The determination to learn and grow, akin to your early days in the game, can elevate you to unforeseen heights.

My soccer journey has been a remarkable mosaic of experiences, each contributing to my growth as a player and coach. From adapting to new soccer cultures to building invaluable relationships, nurturing mental resilience, and broadening my understanding of the game, I've encountered diverse challenges and triumphs. I hope that my journey and insights will inspire you to navigate the complexities of soccer with confidence. Embrace change, cherish the relationships you form, strengthen your mental resilience, and remain open to the diverse perspectives the beautiful game offers. In doing so, you'll not only thrive in the captivating world of soccer but also foster your personal growth, one game at a time.