Inspiration From A Young Footballer

byRon08

64 followers

6 years ago

Yesterday I got inspired by a kid who had the most unbelievable determination I've ever seen from an 18-year-old. When I was thinking of making extra money so I can buy the stuff I want when I was his age, this kid is thinking of ways to survive.

His dad died not too long ago, so his mom and siblings don't have anyone else to rely on for food and other basic needs. He quit school a long time back because no one in his family can pay for his education.

His only solace from his depressing situation is his love for football. He told me that he envisions reaching superstardom one day, and he hopes an athletic career is what will lift his family out of poverty. But as talented as he is, his team doesn't have a sponsor for him to fulfill much of his dreams. He told me about their practice sessions and matches with no food for him as fuel, and he would take rests as his stomach grumbles. There's also no one to pay for an injured player's medical bills. And what's worse is lockdowns have put indefinite breaks on his football ambitions.

Still, the most admirable thing about him is that in our conversations, he never asked me for help, nor has he expressed any desire to seek aid even from their government.

Never.

It's not that I'm always in the best position to be Santa Clause for everyone, but most of the people I know, whether I met them today or if it's someone I've known all my life, would be more comfortable in asking someone else for a little boost.

This kid is different.

His determination for him and his family to survive is the only thing he needs to keep going.

When most people have thrown in the towel and mumble and complain about how miserable their lives are, this kid plays through pain, depression, hunger, and a shit load of uncertainty.

It makes me wonder if a person in need has genuinely pulled all the stops before knocking on someone else's door. Because if this kid is surviving, there's no reason someone who's better off can't.