

Anna and Ben are friends. They like to play soccer with other kids. They want to join the soccer team at school. The soccer team has a big trophy. The trophy is shiny and has a ball on top.
One day, the soccer coach comes to the playground. He says, "Who wants to join the soccer team? We have a game next week. We need more players." Anna and Ben raise their hands. They are happy. They want to play soccer and win the trophy.
The coach says, "OK, Anna and Ben, you can join the team. But you have to practice hard. The other team is very good. They are fast and strong. You have to be fast and strong too." Anna and Ben nod. They are ready to practice.
The next day, Anna and Ben go to the soccer field. They see the other players. They are wearing red shirts. Anna and Ben are wearing blue shirts. The coach gives them a ball. He says, "Kick the ball to each other. Try to pass and score. Don't be slow. Be quick and smart."
Anna and Ben kick the ball to each other. They try to pass and score. But they are slow. The other players are faster. They take the ball away. They score many goals. Anna and Ben are sad. They can't keep up. They think they are not good enough.
The coach sees them. He comes to them. He says, "Don't be sad, Anna and Ben. You are doing your best. You are new to the team. You need more time to learn. You have to practice more. But you also have to have fun. Soccer is a fun game. You have to enjoy it. Don't worry about the trophy. Worry about having fun."
Anna and Ben look at the coach. They look at each other. They smile. They say, "Thank you, coach. You are right. Soccer is a fun game. We want to have fun. We want to learn. We want to be better. We don't care about the trophy. We care about the team."
The coach smiles. He says, "That's the spirit, Anna and Ben. You are good friends. You are good teammates. You have a lot of potential. I'm proud of you. Now, let's go and play some more. Let's have some fun." He gives them a high five. They run to the field. They join the team. They play soccer. They have fun.
