Dear Soccer,

From my 5 year old self, to my 9 year old self               And though there is an off ratio of second place medals

Even to my 13 year old self                                                To first place, it’s okay with me, because

I can say no part of me thought I would get this far          There are so many things I need to thank you for

One thing I do know is                                                        Thank you for providing me with friends-

I love you, a lot                                                                    Even though they’re more like family

                                                                                            Thanks for a good coach who knows what’s best

From only a few years ago                                                  And a few nice skills here and there

I was actually excited about you                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                           Thank you for countless UDF carpools

The game felt forced at first                                               And for emma’s good taste in music

Now it’s just a routine                                                        And thanks for putting me in a better mood

Everyday I work hard for you                                           Though my time with you hasn’t come to an end

And then the next day even harder                                     I still needed to show you my appreciation

Something my mom told me was,                                     Thank you for shaping me into who I am

“If you didn’t have soccer,                                                 And giving me the best couple years possible

You would be getting into trouble-                                    

Lots of it”

                                                                                               Love you always,

                                                                                                          Ryan Armstrong