Freddy Adu (Amazing Athletes)
#5 of 95 in Amazing athletes Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Biography of Freddy Adu, an emigrant from Ghana, who, at fourteen, became the youngest player in Major League Soccer. Freddy Adu was just 14 years old when D.C. United chose him with the first pick in the 2004 Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft. In his first season, he became the youngest person to ever play in an MLS game and the youngest player to score an MLS goal. With an incredible mix of speed, smarts, and skills, Adu has an exciting career in front of him.
Character compass
Freddy Adu
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Freddy Adu a remarkable athlete?
How does Freddy handle challenges and setbacks in his career?
What can we learn from Freddy’s dedication and practice habits?
In what ways do Freddy's teammates and coaches influence his success?
How important is perseverance in achieving personal goals, as seen in Freddy's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Freddy's experiences to their own personal challenges and achievements.
Discuss the importance of practice and patience in mastering any skill, drawing parallels to Freddy's rigorous training routine.
Highlight the significance of teamwork and asking for help when needed, as demonstrated by Freddy's relationship with his teammates.
Ask your child to think about a time they had to persevere to achieve something important and compare it to Freddy’s story.
Foster empathy by discussing the emotional and psychological challenges Freddy faces, and ask how they might feel in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story of Freddy Adu exemplifies how determination and hard work can lead to achieving big dreams, tracing his journey from a budding soccer player to a professional athlete.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of perseverance to their studies, sports, or any activities they are passionate about, understanding that consistent effort is key to success.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Freddy faced numerous challenges, including high expectations at a young age and adapting to professional leagues. His story teaches resilience in difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to navigate their own life challenges, be it academic pressure, social issues or personal setbacks, using resilience as a tool to come out stronger.
Example Lesson: Importance of Support Systems
Explanation: The book highlights the role of Freddy’s family and mentors in his soccer career. Their support was crucial in his development both as a player and a person.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of having supportive relationships and how to seek help and encouragement from family, teachers, and friends in pursuing their goals.
Example Lesson: Setting Goals
Explanation: Freddy Adu’s story is a great example of setting specific, achievable goals from a young age. His clear focus on becoming a professional soccer player guided his decisions and actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to set their own goals and develop plans to achieve them, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
Example Lesson: Handling Fame and Pressure
Explanation: Exploring Freddy’s early fame, the book addresses how he managed public and media attention, maintaining professionalism and focus.
Real-World Application: It teaches children about managing external expectations and pressure, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s values.