Hi, my name is Lyla Smith and I would like to share my soccer journey with you. I was really young, about 5 or 6,  when I first started playing soccer. I’ve been playing for the East Meadow Soccer Club since the beginning. Before my love for soccer, I was a dancer, but when my older brother Colin found an interest in soccer, I decided I would too because I looked up to him. Soccer and dance were a lot, but I liked both. I went to a soccer camp, but I discovered I had little in common with the other campers and that I liked to dance better anyway. So I continued dancing and took a break from soccer for a few years.

When I was around 11,  I wanted to play soccer again. I have a family friend named Ella, who I looked up to more than anyone.  She and her brother were so committed to soccer that it rekindled my joy of playing.  I didn’t want to be the only one not playing soccer so I joined back. We all played for East Meadow Soccer Club until about a year ago. Donovan (Ella’s brother) joined a different club and this year my brother quit. I thought about stopping because I was losing interest and didn’t think I would get any better, but because I had great teammates who supported me and made me feel like an integral part of the club, I no longer wanted to quit. They are my best friends and I could never leave them. I realized we all can grow together and cheer each other on. I couldn’t imagine playing without them. Now I am happy playing again and feel like I can play for many more years.