Monica Riccardi, mother of young soccer athlete Aaron Riccardi (NSW), speaks about what it takes to raise a young NSR athlete. Being raised in a team orientated family, with an unmistakable passion for soccer, Aaron has the perfect set up for success regarding his placement in the US.
From a parent perspective, what does it take to raise an athlete of Aaron’s calibre?
Support
- Monica describes Aaron’s goal to travel abroad to further build upon his soccer skills and to obtain a great education in an American college. Supporting Aaron’s goals and ambitions are greatly important to the Riccardi family. Monica also ensures that Aaron is always asked how he is feeling and if “…it is what you want to do?” Ensuring that travelling overseas to attend college is the right path for your athlete is absolutely essential. In doing so, it is important to remind them of the rare opportunity that has been presented. In saying so, Aaron has adopted the family attitude of “If you start something, you must finish it”. Determination and drive to succeed is clearly reflected within the Riccardi’s family values.
Passion
- Without passion you have no drive. Aaron displays great passion for soccer, partaking in training an enormous four times a week. Monica goes on to explain that Aaron gives every game 110%.
Family support at the game
- Despite a flat out weekly work schedule, Monica attends every one of Aaron’s soccer matches for support. In addition, Aaron’s grandmother also attends which is of great sentimental value to Aaron. Positive encouragement is essential to maintain a positive mind frame whilst participating in a match.
Friends with common sporting interests
- Having a strong support group from Aaron’s friendship circle has allowed him to remain enthusiastic about playing. Friendships can be a heavily influencing factor in a teenager’s life.
Training
- Prior to Aaron receiving his licence last year, Monica and Aaron’s grandfather worked together to drive Aaron to and from training. Team work within the Riccardi family goes beyond the soccer field and is reflected in the everyday functioning of the family.
When did you first notice that Aaron had above average skills in soccer?
Monica discusses how she realised that Aaron displayed above average soccer talent around the age of 13. Aaron became committed to playing soccer for the full 10 years at his soccer club before developing and expanding on his soccer. As the 10 year mark passed, Aaron had shown signs of developing a greater mental maturity and in turn became passionate about further refining his soccer skills.
As a parent, what values have you instilled in Aaron that you believe help him either on the field or with his move to the US?
Team
- Reflected in his home life along with his team relationship, Aaron shows a drive to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Each player on the team becomes responsible for a win or a loss.
Communication skills
- Aaron has developed the ability to communicate clearly to team mates and other people in general. Developing a greater emotional intelligence, allows for clearer lines of communication and understanding between both Aaron and his teammates.
Honesty
- As reflected within his communication skills, Aaron has always been taught to stand up for what he believes to be right and correct
A passion for what you do
- Being passionate about what he does, Aaron has the drive and motivation to give every game 110% effort
Cultures
- Monica tells of how Aaron has been exposed to a wide array of cultures so as to develop his awareness. Encountering and potentially living with other individuals of a varying cultural upbringing can serve as a challenge in college life.
Regarding his trip to the US, what are you most excited about for Aaron?
As any parent, Monica desires to see her son happy with what he is doing and achieving a major life goal. Being given an opportunity to not only play his sport, but receive a great education in the US are both great potentials for Aaron.
There are aspects that Monica instils within Aaron that serve as his preparation for college life. Developing independence in every day life elements including that of cooking and cleaning for himself and the understanding that study is paramount “…if Aaron doesn’t study, he doesn’t go to practice, if he doesn’t practice then he doesn’t play…” Obtaining a good education is absolutely essential. Monica believes that Aaron should adequately prepare a back up plan so as not to rely soley on a soccer career. In terms of life necessities “…Aaron is great with his money savings and working out exchange rates…” With this sort of preparation, Aaron is sure to have a smooth transition into college life.
Maintaining good academic results is essential in order to attend a great college. How do you maintain a good balance between sporting commitments and studies?
In terms of time management, Aaron must balance playing soccer between 6-7 days a week with maintaining good grades at school. Monica enforces consequences for slack grades, to ensure that Aaron maintains focused “…in every day life we all experience action and resulting consequence…” As previously mentioned, Aaron must maintain a good grade average in order to play soccer. Monica explains of how she and her husband have realistic expectations regarding Aaron’s performance “…we do not expect A+ grades in all of his subjects; however, we expect him to try his best …”
Aaron is provided with a great family network comprised of a number of teachers, ensuring that he has the best chance possible to attain good grades.
From experience, what sort of advice do you give to other parents looking to go through a similar preparation period as Aaron?
Monica details of the importance of communication with your child, “…make sure its something they actually want to do…” ensuring the Aaron remains committed allows him to maintain focus on his goals of reaching a college in the US. Aaron is aware that he will be living away from home; however, he understands that it is his chance to grow and develop into an adult.