Chicago Hope Academy

Women's Soccer- Core Values

[CHA Women's Soccer would like to thank Trinity International University/TIU Women's Soccer for their willingness to allow us to model our soccer program after much of what they are already doing.]

· “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

A Chicago Hope Academy Women’s Soccer Player is DEDICATED to being…..

CHRIST CENTERED

We ARE, before anything else, Christ-Centered.

“The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than this.” Mark 12:29-31
We will understand and be committed to using our soccer experience at Chicago Hope Academy as a “platform” for sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Players and coaches will consistently seek to model the life of Jesus Christ. This will be displayed through acts of service and dedication to our teammates, Chicago Hope Academy, the Chicagoland Area, and across the world.

COMMITTED
- We work hard. We don’t quit. We play for each other
  - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
  - We recognize that commitment is a daily decision that does not depend on gifts or ability. It is not an emotion, but rather a character trait.
  - We will be dependable team members. We will be individuals whom ALL involved in the program can trust. We will choose to show up every day committed to give our best. Trials, adversity and weakness will not waver our commitment. We say that we will persevere at all times.
  - We understand that commitment involves consistency and discipline. We commit to being disciplined and consistent in all that we do.
”SELFLESS
- There is no “I” in team
  - “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first- must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:25-28
  - We will be intentional in our efforts with those around us. We will choose to build each other up, understanding that it not only helps to unite us, but to advance our team as well.
  - We choose to model, to the best of our ability, the servant-like attitude set before us by Jesus Christ.
  - We understand that no team succeeds if individuals put themselves before the team. Teams that win have players who continually ask themselves, “What is best for the rest?” We will give generously of ourselves to our team regardless of circumstance, personal feelings and self centered agendas. We will be loyal to one another at all times.
  - We will see teammates as collaborators, not competitors. We understand that completing one another is more important than competing with each other. We will work together because we know that when we work together we all win.
ENTHUSIASTIC
- The HEART functions as the source of energy for this team
  - “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16
  - We will be intentional about attending all team functions with a positive and upbeat attitude. We understand that enthusiasm is a choice, and we will decide daily to approach our team with a positive attitude and demeanor. There is no substitute for genuine enthusiasm
  - We recognize that enthusiasm is contagious. We therefore understand that our efforts to remain positive will not only spark a fire inside of us as individuals, but will also influence and better those we come in to contact with.
  - “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
IMPROVING
- Pride is a serious enemy of improvement
  - “Perfection is what you’re striving for, but perfection is an impossibility. However, striving for perfection is not impossible. Do the BEST you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts.” John Wooden
  - We understand that we are a first year program and this season will be a journey filled with new experiences and much growth. We commit ourselves to constant evaluation and improvement. We will recognize and praise what we do well and we will learn from areas of failure.
  - Each individual will be a part of the reason our team wins. We will all take responsibility for everything: our fitness, our attitude, and whether or not we are going to improve that day. We will improve ourselves, understanding that when we improve ourselves, our team will improve.
  - We will learn whenever possible. We will ask questions when we don’t understand. We will adopt the attitude of a learner, not an expert.