Twelve-year-old Hudson Faull was chosen by Idaho Rush’s Chief Executive Officer Lee Riley as a player who personifies the Core Value of Enjoyment.
Rush has been highlighting this Core Value during the month of February and is shifting perspective to see how this value plays out in the game of soccer by a Rush player.
Coach Lee was asked how he came to recognize Hudson as a player who exemplified Enjoyment:
“Every training session Hudson Faull greets me with a huge smile on his face and so much enthusiasm in his voice, ‘Hey Coach Lee, what are we working on tonight?’ The enjoyment that he gets from working hard at practice and on game day is so clear, it brings a smile to my face.”
Hudson’s love for soccer came not only naturally, but early:
“I started playing soccer when I was old enough to walk. My brother, who was older by 4 years, also played soccer. My dad was his coach all of his years at Rush Select, so when I was old enough, he did the same for me. He always told our teams, ‘The number one goal is to have fun.’ He taught us how to deal with adversity, obstacles and setbacks which helped us get a clearer picture of our goals.”
“It is particularly easy to love soccer when you have a great coach and close friends,” Hudson claimed. “But I also love the sport because anyone can play, it doesn't matter if you are small or tall.”
When asked what his favorite part is about the beautiful game, he responded:
“My favorite part about playing soccer is you can take it anywhere and it can help break down the barriers of language and race. I learned this first hand when I had the opportunity to pay last year in Taiwan. Watching others succeed and achieve goals along with me is what makes me the happiest.”
Hudson’s time playing in Taiwan was the moment that he felt the most love for the game and he continued on to describe his experience:
“When I was in Taiwan I felt the true joy of soccer. I was able to share my passion and source of happiness for soccer with a group of Taiwanese youth that had never played before. I experienced good and bad moments while playing with them, but I never gave up. My happiness for the sport became their happiness.”
Hudson has ahold of the joy for soccer. It is no wonder that Coach Lee selected him as an embodiment of the Core Value of Enjoyment. As a young soccer player it is encouraging to see the passion and love he has for the game. Hudson hopes that this passion will take his soccer career to the next level:
“My future goals are to continue to improve my technical and tactical skills (and hopefully grow a little). I have a picture of playing soccer in college and becoming a professional soccer player. I hope to continue to work hard until my picture becomes a reality.”
“Playing soccer is important to me because I enjoy pushing myself a little harder every day,” Hudson finishes. “I love being a part of a team and making long-lasting friendships, while focusing on the main goal.”
Enjoyment is present in every aspect of Rush Soccer. From the staff to the players, the youngest to the oldest, the passion and love for the game is a recognition that soccer is a gift. Don’t forget to love what you do!
This wraps up the highlight series on Enjoyment. During the month of March we will focus on the next Core Value: Empathy. You won’t want to miss it!