Why We Play
by Richard Cullom

The book Why We Play is a collection of values and observations gathered by a father as a gift to his soccer-playing children. Written to counter the 'winning is everything' attitude often present in youth sports, Why We Play is a reminder that the true measure of success is what a player learns, not what a player's team wins.

Why We Play stresses:

  • Parental love is unconditional.
  • There is more to a person than the sport he or she plays.
  • All a person can do is show up and do his or her best.
  • Attitude is a personal choice.
  • Achieving anything of value requires hard work and commitment.
  • Working hard is not the opposite of having fun.
  • Success is not measured by the final score of a game but by the personal, incremental improvements over a career.
  • The joy associated with accomplishment is so intense that it is impossible to describe, but is visible in the bright eyes and pure broad smile of a young player.  These little moments make all of the travel, training, and coaching worthwhile.

While the book is written for athletes twelve and over, Why We Play is intended for parents of all age groups.

Signed copies of Why We Play are now available at the Q-Store! (The Q-Store is part of the United Quest concession stand.) The cost is $10.00 per copy. For information on team deliveries (books can be delivered to team practices, games, and meetings) please contact Richard Cullom at 678-581-1148 and online at rcullom@whyweplay.com

About the author:  Richard Cullom is the dad of one of our original Quest Athena Academy members, Sarah Cullom. Sarah is currently a member of the United Quest Red '91 U12 Athena "A" team.