Saipan Soccer School

30/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 27 Group Discussion Highlights

This week, our players explored how the Think, Pick, Kick strategy can help them make better decisions:

🔴 THINK
What options do I have right now? What could happen next?

🟡 PICK
Pick the best and safest option.
Is it safe? Is it healthy? Does it help me reach my goals?

🟢 KICK
Make your choice confidently and stand your ground!

We also discussed how these same steps can help when facing peer pressure or situations involving alcohol or ma*****na. Taking a moment to pause and evaluate can help them recognize risks, consider healthier alternatives, and make choices that support their goals.

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 27: Choose the Best Shot

This week’s Play Smart, Live Strong lesson connected Evaluating Options with Spatial Awareness, teaching players that great decisions start with taking a moment to look at your choices and picking the best path forward.

On the field, players practiced scanning for open space, locating defenders and teammates, and deciding whether to pass, dribble, or shoot. Instead of kicking the ball without looking, they learned to keep their heads up and choose the option that gives their team the best opportunity.

The same skill can help off the field. When faced with peer pressure or a difficult choice, players can pause, consider their options, and choose the path that is safe, healthy, and aligned with their goals!

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

29/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 27 Skill of the Week: Spatial Awareness

This week, our players practiced scanning the field to identify teammates, defenders, open space, and the best path toward the goal.

With their heads up, they learned to evaluate whether the next move should be a pass, dribble, or shot.

Off the field, the same skill helps us make thoughtful choices. When a difficult situation or peer pressure comes our way, we can pause, look at what is happening, consider our options, and choose a healthy path forward!

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

22/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 26 Group Discussion Highlights

This week, our players explored how innovation comes alive off the field through creative problem solving!

⚽️ How to creatively outstmart tough defenders (or peer pressure!)
🎨 How to beat boredom with creativity
💡 Why the best ideas come from working together
🫶🏼 How we can show others that a healthy lifestyle is more fun and creative

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

22/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 26: Think Outside the Game

This week’s lesson focused on innovation and how creativity can help us overcome challenges on and off the field!

Our players learned how combination play uses quick passes, movement, and teamwork to get around a tough defender. When one approach isn’t working, great players shouldn’t keep doing the same thing. They need to try something new and find another way forward.

That same mindset can help us make healthy choices in everyday life. When boredom, loneliness, or peer pressure becomes a challenge, players can use their creativity to find positive ways to have fun, connect with friends, and stay active without alcohol or ma*****na.

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

22/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 26 Skill of the Week: Combination Play

When a defender blocks your path, don’t get stuck, get creative!

This week, our players practiced combination plays like the Give-and-Go, Overlap, and Dummy Pass, learning how communication, timing, movement, and creativity can open up new possibilities.

The same skill applies off the field. When boredom or peer pressure gets in the way, innovation means thinking beyond the obvious choice and creating a healthier path forward.

Instead of saying, “There’s nothing to do,” ask: “What can we create?”

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!

16/09/2026

Play Smart, Live Strong | After School Program
Lesson 25 Group Discussion Highlights

This week, our players connected Helping Others with the soccer skill of Crossing, learning that sometimes the most important contribution you can make is creating an opportunity for someone else to succeed!

We discussed how to:
🙌🏼 Pass the Support
Be the friend who encourages healthy choices and helps others say no to alcohol or ma*****na.

📋 Follow the Game Plan
When facing a difficult situation, trusted adults can provide guidance and help us find a safe solution.

❗️ Defend our Health
Making substance-free choices helps us stay focused, active, and ready to support our team.

Players also discussed how to recognize when a teammate or friend needs help and what they can say to encourage a friend to make a healthy choice!

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The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and ma*****na use.

Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!