Football, Discipline and Team Spirit

Welcome to the ninety-ninth edition of “In-Touch”. As always, I would love to continue the conversation so please hit reply and let me know what you think.

Story of the Week: "Football, Discipline and Team Spirit"

Last week, my son’s team, Aris Limassol, took part in the Elite Neon Cup in Athens. It wasn’t just any tournament; this one was packed with powerhouse names from European football: Chelsea, Milan, Red Star Belgrade and more. Seeing these elite junior teams up close and how they operate on and off the pitch was eye-opening – not just for us parents but for many of the coaches and players as well.

One of the first things that struck me happened at breakfast. While our boys enjoyed pancakes drizzled in chocolate, those top-tier teams chose to offer their young players healthier, sugar-free options. It was a small difference but one that clearly pointed the way forward: their youngsters are already being trained to understand that what they put into their bodies is as essential as the effort they put into their games.

Still at the dining table, something else caught my attention: with some teams, there were no mobile phones in sight. Instead, the players focused on one another and the task at hand. It was so refreshing to see how team bonding took precedence over screen time, highlighting the value of genuine, uninterrupted personal connections. In a world filled with constant digital distractions, such face-to-face moments are becoming increasingly rare but they are essential for building a strong, cohesive unit.

These youngsters were truly united, moving as one and arriving together at meals, led by coaches accompanying them in front and behind. Even in our secluded hotel, such unity was prioritized, providing a simple yet powerful reminder of why teams are called teams: they’re not just a collection of players but a synchronized group with a shared purpose. Even in those few instances when the boys didn’t all arrive at the same time, the coaches took it upon themselves to be there first, exuding readiness and anticipation.

Team discipline was not restricted to the daytime, either. I sensed that there was a curfew in place for the young players – an unspoken rule about when they should sleep, to prepare their minds and bodies for the next game. In contrast, for our players, bedtime was left to their parents’ discretion. Milan’s team even practiced meditation with their coaches and took a relaxing swim before their semi-final match, underscoring a holistic approach to mental and physical preparation.

Reflecting on these observations, I’ve come to the following realization: when the players are still at a very young age, any team – whether it’s Milan, Chelsea, Red Star Belgrade or even Aris Limassol – has an equal chance on the field. But as disciplined habits take root – healthy eating, early sleep, digital disconnect, mental focus, etc. – these youngsters can turn into something remarkable. Encouraging children to start early not only nurtures their love of the game but also equips them with essential life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

It’s worth noting that, like millions of children across the world, Cristiano Ronaldo started playing football at the age of 9, Kylian Mbappe at 6 and Lionel Messi at 4. You can be sure that their success was not due to luck! With time and dedication, children can develop into becoming part of a nearly unstoppable force, as I saw so clearly on the pitch in Athens last week. It was a powerful reminder that achieving greatness – in sport, in business and in life – starts with small, purposeful steps and a huge amount of shared team spirit.

Words of Wisdom

“We don’t have to be smarter than the rest. We have to be more disciplined than the rest.” Warren Buffet

A Question to Ponder, dear friend.

What are the habits that you learned as a child and still help you as an adult?