The process and move of out of home and to another country can be an exciting, yet a nervous time for most of our NSR athletes. Soccer superstar, Joseph Van de Garde (VIC), currently residing on campus at Avila University in Kansas City, tells of his exciting transition.
Joseph tells of how moving out of home was not as difficult as he expected. Despite this, Joseph still develops feelings of homesickness; however, he endeavours to stay busy during these times “…Homesickness passes…” Taking up a new hobby or a project helps to stave off the very temporary sadness. For Joseph, this hobby was boxing. Maintaining a great fitness level not only helps to optimise fitness levels, but ensures that one develops a clear mind “…a fairly tough workout was a lot of fun and it helps me keep my mind off distractions, allowing me to focus on one thing for an hour…”
Having an ex-army instructor as a trainer surely helps to keep Joseph on his toes!
In an effort to prepare our athletes for what will happen when they step off the plane once they arrive in the US, we asked Joseph to run us through his experience. After his flight over, Joseph arrived at the airport to be greeted by his new coach and taken to one of the player’s houses to meet a few of his team mates who were in town prior to preseason. After arriving, the current players thought it would be a great idea to see him on the field. Accompanied by two other English boys and one Western Australian, Joseph battled his way through his exhaustion to play his practice game in the US. Thankfully, none of his team mates were too critical of his ‘jet-lagged inability’, instead showing encouragement and urging him to rest for the following week’s preseason training.
Joseph tells of how appreciative he was to be welcomed so warmly by his team mates, putting an end to his fears of uncertainty and rejection. So as to adapt to the college culture, Joseph explains how his teammates acted as his support crew through giving advice on settling into a routine. In doing so, Joseph explains how he managed to stay on top of the requirements associated with college life with the help of his team mates.
Stay tuned for part two when we catch up to chat to Joseph a year in to his life in college!