When I joined Life’s a Ball, I only wanted to play soccer with my best friends. I didn’t like being told to play with other learners, especially ones I didn’t know. But our coach said sport is about teamwork and respect. At first, I didn’t understand, but when I saw how the team worked together passing the ball, encouraging each other, it started to make sense.

I learned that we win when we include everyone, not just our friends. Now, I talk to everyone, and I help those who struggle. Even outside sport, in class, I’ve stopped teasing others and started helping with homework.

The biggest change for me is that I’ve learned respect is more powerful than skill…it’s what makes a team strong.