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By Randy Gardner

I am not one to go out and promote a product but a new book has just come out and if you grew up playing soccer in North County like I did, you won’t want to miss out on this. The book is called Soccer Made in St. Louis. I got a copy of it and couldn’t put it down.

It starts with early soccer and went through the World Cup team, then the St. Louis Stars and then the St. Louis Steamers. It was like I was living my early years all over again. It is amazing to really look back and realize how big of an impact that soccer had on so many lives here in North County through the years.

Soccer kept a lot of kids in school because you had to do well in school to play. Once you got on a select team you started thinking about playing high school ball, and then playing college soccer. It was a dream for many including myself that made me who I am today,

A man who feels privileged to play soccer in North County. As I look back at my childhood, these are the memories that I cherish the most and I hope that my kids will someday look back at the days that they are enjoying now and feel the way I do. Sometimes when you are in a situation or a spot in your life, you don’t cherish it or understand it but eventually you will, even if you are just a kid.

Watching  the Rams Games with  My Son

The Rams are 4-0, the first time since 1972 in preseason. I know last week I wrote about this— does it matter or not? but now that they are undefeated in four tries  it kind of gives you some great feelings towards the season. I know I am excited. It is so cool now that my boys are starting to get into watching sports on TV.

My 7-year-old will say, dad the Rams game is on. Words a dad loves to hear. As I always mention, sports are so much more than just a game, it is the fabric that holds families together in many ways.

What would kids do with their time at night and on the weekends? Sports build relationships with other kids and teaches structure for learning. By the way, the best part of sports is that it sparks exercise. We all have heard the rates of obesity amongst children in the U.S. right now and it is alarming. Sports also teach kids how to win and lose in life.

What a change in temperatures over the past week, no more excuses about it is too hot to exercise. Right now is the best time to start. I did.

Being stressed at work with a full schedule and daily home life, just a brisk walk or jog can make a huge difference. Try it, but stick with it, it takes a while to get a habit started and once you feel better and start losing a bit of weight, you will not want to stop. I am trying to lose seven more pounds, they are the hardest but you know that if I can do it anybody can. Be strong.

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