The First Lady:
Hey, again, you guys, rest
your selves, rest yourselves.
00:03
You're the champs,
you can have chairs.
00:06
I got to hang out
with the kids earlier.
00:11
We got quick pictures, but we
are excited to have you guys
00:13
here at the White House.
00:16
We're in the State Room.
00:17
The State Dining Room is where
we greet special official
00:19
guests, and you guys count as
our special official guests.
00:23
We're excited to have you here.
00:27
I want to start by thanking all
of you kids for joining us here
00:28
at the White House today.
00:32
Tell me -- yell out -- tell
me the organizations you're
00:33
representing -- somebody?
00:36
See, you guys are from all
over the place -- some here,
00:42
some from all over
the country, right?
00:44
Well, thanks for
coming and visiting us.
00:48
I also want to thank
the members of the L.A.
00:50
Galaxy soccer team for taking
the time to come and answer some
00:52
questions, and share some wisdom
and some advice for all of you.
00:56
So let's give them a
big round of applause.
00:59
So as soccer players, you know
who these guys are, don't you?
01:07
The First Lady:
They're pretty cool, right?
01:13
They are some of the best soccer
players in the entire country
01:14
and the entire world.
01:18
They're right there,
they're right there.
01:24
And I want to congratulate them
-- join in with my husband in
01:26
congratulating them on
winning the third MLS Cup.
01:30
Very cool, very cool.
01:33
But one of the things I want you
guys to remember -- all the kids
01:35
here to remember, is that
these stars were not born
01:39
superstar athletes.
01:43
They weren't superstar soccer
players from the beginning.
01:45
In fact, many of them started
out just like many of you --
01:47
playing on a team at school,
or just kicking a ball around
01:51
on the playground
with their friends.
01:55
But they stuck with it.
01:58
And I tell this to my
girls all the time.
02:00
I mean, you get to the point
when there are things that you
02:02
enjoy, they get to the point
where they start getting hard --
02:05
that's when you know
you're getting good,
02:08
and you have to stick
through it even when it
02:10
starts getting hard.
02:12
For some of you, soccer
has always been fun,
02:14
will always be
fun, but sometimes,
02:16
when you start growing, you get
to the point where you really
02:18
Well, they all hit that wall,
and they stuck with it.
02:22
They practice for hours every
day doing all their drills and
02:26
scrimmages, doing everything
that their coaches and mentors
02:30
And that's how they got
to be national champions.
02:34
But remember, they didn't do all
of this just because they wanted
02:37
to win their games.
02:40
Winning is great, right?
02:42
We all know how to win.
02:43
Winning is the easiest
thing in the world to do.
02:45
But what is the toughest thing?
02:49
Is learning how to lose, right?
02:52
So they didn't do
it just to win.
02:54
They didn't do it because they
wanted to grow up to be famous.
02:57
They played soccer because
they love the sport.
02:59
And they played because it
was challenging and fun,
03:02
and because it made they
feel strong and healthy.
03:05
And that's what sports
like soccer are all about.
03:09
And they're learning
about new skills.
03:11
They're learning how to compete.
03:15
They're learning how
to lose gracefully,
03:16
how to win with dignity.
03:18
All of that stuff is
important with sports.
03:20
And that's one of the reasons
why when the weather is nice --
03:25
because it was raining; we
were supposed to be outside,
03:28
but they said there were
would be thunderstorms.
03:31
We're usually outside.
03:33
We've been hosting all kinds of
fitness activities and clinics
03:34
Have some of you guys
participated in those?
03:39
Nobody has had -- I
thought -- we've had --
03:42
-- yes, we've had some
fun on the South Lawn.
03:44
We were supposed
out there today,
03:47
but because they
projected thunderstorms,
03:49
we thought we wouldn't have
you out there getting struck
03:51
That wouldn't look good.
03:54
So we brought you inside.
03:56
But we've been hosting these
clinics on the South Lawn,
03:57
which is our backyard
here at the White House,
03:59
because we want to show kids
just like you that there are all
04:01
kinds of ways to be active, and
that being active is also a
04:05
So a lot of what we do while
there are soccer drills and
04:10
things like that going on, we're
doing a lot of playing around
04:13
and laughing, and realizing
that that's what being healthy
04:16
It's not always work; most of
the time it's a lot of fun.
04:21
And that's also why in
connection with the Olympic and
04:24
Paralympic Games that are coming
up -- you guys know about that?
04:26
You know that we're going to be
in London competing with teams
04:29
all across the world.
04:33
And I'm going to be
leading the delegation.
04:36
I'm not playing a
sport or anything --
04:39
-- I am not an Olympian.
04:41
But I get to lead the
delegation that represents
04:42
But as part of the
Olympic Games, the U.S.
04:47
Soccer Federation has made a
really important commitment that
04:50
I got to announce yesterday.
04:53
They're going to be working to
help increase opportunities for
04:55
kids to get involved in a
whole variety of sports,
05:00
Soccer has really stepped up.
05:05
They're going to be hosting more
clinics and more after-school
05:07
programs in cities all across
the country so that more kids
05:10
like you get exposure to
opportunities that maybe
05:14
normally you wouldn't, or it
gives you even a little more
05:18
excitement to get even more
committed into your sport.
05:22
Because the Federation also
knows and these guys up here
05:26
know that being active and
learning new skills doesn't just
05:30
help you become a better soccer
player or a better athlete.
05:33
It gives you the energy that you
need to keep you from getting
05:37
sick, to do well in school, to
be able to focus on your bigger
05:41
dreams -- because there
is life after soccer.
05:44
There is something more
important than sports,
05:47
and that's becoming a
well-rounded person.
05:50
And being healthy and
eating the right foods,
05:53
and staying active
is a part of that.
05:56
And that's what everybody
here is trying to promote.
05:59
And that's why I'm so
pleased with our U.S.
06:02
Olympic Federation and all
the teams that have made a
06:06
commitment to invest in kids
like you across the country.
06:11
So that's one of the
reasons why we're here.
06:16
But we're also here because
this team, these guys,
06:18
they wanted to talk to you.
06:21
They're here because they were
getting congratulations from the
06:22
President, but they also said
they wanted to talk to kids just
06:27
And I'm really pleased that you
guys are so interested in taking
06:32
the time not just to play the
game but to spend time with
06:35
young people, talking to them
about a whole range of things.
06:39
So they are here for you.
06:43
And I'm going to leave
and let them step up.
06:44
But feel free to ask them
any kind of questions.
06:47
And I've already talked to you
all -- you all are not shy.
06:50
None of them are. Right?
06:53
So speak up, ask questions.
06:56
Ask about anything
you have on your mind.
06:58
And have fun, okay?
07:05
And keep playing hard, working
hard, doing well in school,
07:06
and eat your vegetables.
07:10
All right, I'm going to get
out of here and let these
07:14
Shellie Pfohl:
You guys all right?
07:34
Landon Donovan:
Good. Anybody have questions?
07:36
Not yet, but anyone
have questions?
07:38
Shellie Pfohl:
They've been thinking about it.
07:40
Landon Donovan:
They have?
07:42
Shellie Pfohl:
Yeah.
07:42
Landon Donovan:
That's good.
07:43
Shellie Pfohl:
Let me grab that real quick.
07:43
Shellie Pfohl:
I'm Shelly again, right.
07:46
We've been practicing.
07:50
We've been quizzing these guys
a little bit on their practice
07:51
habits and their eating
habits and so forth.
07:55
Before we throw it
out to questions guys,
07:57
I had a question that I
wanted to go down the line
08:00
Actually, it's four things
you got to remember.
08:04
So four things I need
you to tell the kids.
08:07
Number one -- and I know
these guys know who you are,
08:08
So your name, how long you've
been with the LA Galaxy,
08:12
your favorite activity
besides playing soccer,
08:17
because you know, cross
training is important, right.
08:21
So favorite activity besides
playing soccer and your favorite
08:24
So name, how long you've
been with the team,
08:30
favorite activity beside soccer
and favorite healthy snack.
08:32
You want to start down here?
08:36
A.J. DeLaGarza:
Hi. My name is A.J. DeLaGarza.
08:39
This is my fourth year
with the LA Galaxy.
08:41
My favorite activity would be
probably running around with
08:43
my dog in a dog park.
08:46
And my favorite healthy
snack would be pineapples.
08:48
Todd Dunivant:
Hey, everyone.
09:00
This is my fifth season
playing with the Galaxy.
09:02
My favorite activity would
probably be ping-pong.
09:07
I used to always
play with my brother.
09:10
Shellie Pfohl:
Does anyone play ping-pong?
09:12
Todd Dunivant:
And then favorite snack has
got to be any kind of berry.
09:17
Strawberries, raspberries,
blackberries, blueberries.
09:19
We got some love out there.
09:21
Landon Donovan:
All right. Hi, guys.
09:25
My name is Landon Donovan.
09:26
I've been with the team
-- I'm getting old.
09:28
I think this is my eighth
year with the LA Galaxy.
09:33
My favorite activity -- like
A.J., I have dogs at home.
09:37
I love walking along
the beach with my dogs.
09:40
That's one of my
favorite things to do.
09:43
And it's good exercise
in the mean time.
09:44
My favorite healthy snack.
09:46
I really love fruit.
09:49
So pretty much any
fruit I'll eat and love.
09:52
David Beckham:
Hi, guys. I'm David Beckham.
10:00
I've been with the Galaxy
-- this is my sixth season,
10:03
I have four children.
10:09
I have a 13 year old
boy, a 9 year old boy,
10:10
a 7 year old boy and a
9 month old little girl.
10:13
So my favorite activity is
spending time with them at the
10:17
park, playing soccer of course.
10:20
And my favorite snack would have
to be -- when I was your age,
10:23
I was told that carrots would
make me see in the dark.
10:28
Sean Franklin:
Hi, everyone. I'm Sean Franklin.
10:37
I'm in my fifth season
with the LA Galaxy.
10:39
Besides soccer, I like
playing basketball.
10:42
And probably my favorite healthy
snack is trail mix but the bag
10:45
that has the M&M's in it.
10:51
Michael Magee:
My name is Mike Magee.
11:00
This is my fourth year
with the LA Galaxy.
11:01
Like David, I have a
two year old daughter.
11:04
And I think my favorite
thing is, you know,
11:06
chasing her around the house
and playing games with her.
11:09
And my favorite healthy
snack is definitely mangos.
11:12
Shellie Pfohl:
Thank you. All right.
11:23
Anybody like mangos?
11:24
Oh good! This is a good group.
11:27
We've got some groups said they
don't even know what a mango is.
11:28
You guys are on it.
11:33
Well, this is the time that
you guys get to ask questions.
11:35
I know some of you guys
have some questions.
11:37
I need you to raise your hand
and then we're going to get a
11:39
So we want you to speak into the
microphone so everyone can hear.
11:43
Who has a question?
11:45
Let's start in this section over
here, and then we'll go around.
11:48
Wait until we get
the microphone.
11:52
Child:
My question is, is it
hard to play soccer and
11:56
be a professional one?
11:59
Landon Donovan:
I'm going to start
since I'm -- not the
12:03
oldest but been
here the longest.
12:05
It is at times very hard, yes.
12:10
So at your age, it was very easy
for most of us because it was
12:16
just fun, no responsibility,
and you can just enjoy it
12:22
When you get older,
as a professional,
12:27
there's a lot of hard
work that comes along.
12:29
So maybe if you see us play
on a Saturday afternoon,
12:31
you think oh, that's great.
12:33
But meanwhile, what's happening
all week is we're working very
12:35
hard so that we're ready
to play on Saturday.
12:38
So it's still very fun.
12:40
It's fun in a little
bit different way.
12:41
You have to work
a little harder.
12:43
But I don't think any of us
would be doing this still if
12:44
we didn't enjoy it.
12:46
So yeah. We like it.
12:47
Shellie Pfohl:
Let's take a question
from this section.
12:53
How about this young
lady on the inside here.
12:56
We'll get a
microphone over there.
13:01
Child:
My question is what
inspired you to play soccer?
13:07
Shellie Pfohl:
What inspired you?
13:11
Someone want to
start on that one?
13:12
Maybe someone over here?
13:14
Sean Franklin:
I'll start.
13:15
It was Christmas of 1994 and
my mom had bought me a World
13:17
Cup tape of all the games.
13:23
And I would watch
it over and over.
13:27
I would watch it before club
soccer games, high school games.
13:29
That was like my motivation.
13:34
And ever since that video,
I've enjoyed soccer.
13:37
And I thank my mom for
starting, for helping my career.
13:40
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Great. Anybody else?
13:49
Todd Dunivant:
I had a brother that was
six years older than me.
13:53
And I wanted to do
everything that he did,
13:56
and not only do it but
do it better than him.
13:58
We were really competitive.
14:01
So we always -- I said
ping-pong was my favorite thing.
14:02
We would play that all day long.
14:05
We'd play soccer, basketball,
every sport you could think of.
14:07
And soccer was his main sport.
14:09
And so I just tried to
follow in his footsteps.
14:11
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Thank you.
14:15
How about this section?
14:18
Can we get the young
man in the back?
14:21
Child:
I have a question for Landon.
14:30
When was your first
game with LA Galaxy?
14:33
Landon Donovan:
Do you want to take a guess?
14:38
Landon Donovan:
No? It might have been
before you were born.
14:41
Landon Donovan:
You're eight?
14:47
So you were probably
maybe one years old.
14:48
My first game was in 2005.
14:51
And it was very exciting for me
because I had played in Germany
14:55
before that and then
in Northern California.
14:58
But I'm from Los Angeles.
15:01
So I had a chance to come play
for my hometown team which was
15:02
really cool as an athlete.
15:06
All my friends and
family were there.
15:07
Shellie Pfohl:
Tell us your name
and where you're from.
15:13
Shellie Pfohl:
And where are you from?
15:17
Child:
El Salvador.
15:18
Landon Donovan:
El Salvador.
15:21
Shellie Pfohl:
El Salvador.
15:22
Wonderful. Yes. Thank you.
15:23
And then we'll take
someone from over here.
15:25
And if you'll tell us your
name and where you're from,
15:27
that would be great.
15:28
Child:
My name is Demontré Bledsoe [phonetic].
15:31
Shellie Pfohl:
Yeah!
15:35
Landon Donovan:
He doesn't need a mic.
15:35
Shellie Pfohl:
That's right!
15:36
Child:
My name is Demontré
Bledsoe [phonetic] and
15:39
I am from St. Louis.
15:41
All right, David Beckham.
15:43
What did it take to become
the man that you are today?
15:51
Shellie Pfohl:
Wow! Whoa! Look out media!
15:55
David Beckham:
I think the President's
got some competition.
16:01
It took a lot of hard work, a
lot of dedication because when
16:05
we were all your age, which for
myself was quite a few years
16:11
ago, I wanted to enjoy
myself playing soccer.
16:16
I loved playing soccer.
16:22
It was something that I
always wanted to do and to be,
16:24
So there was a lot of
hard work involved,
16:29
but I wanted to enjoy the sport.
16:32
I wanted to enjoy doing
something like soccer and
16:33
So I was very lucky
throughout my career.
16:39
I stayed dedicated.
16:42
I had a lot of good
people around me,
16:44
family and my friends.
16:45
But it's about hard work.
16:47
It's about looking
after yourself.
16:49
It's about eating
the right things,
16:51
drinking the right
things, and working hard.
16:54
And the enjoyment part
is the biggest part.
16:57
And I still love playing soccer
like I did when I was your age.
17:00
Shellie Pfohl:
Great question.
17:11
Let's come back over here.
17:13
I think we had a question --
second row on the end here.
17:14
Second row on the end.
17:17
Let's come right here.
17:18
Child:
What position do you play?
17:21
David Beckham:
My position is on the
right of mid-field.
17:25
It's a position where you don't
score that many goals but you
17:30
have a lot of assists.
17:34
So that's what I tell
the coach anyway.
17:35
Shellie Pfohl:
Team is important, right
guys, the whole team.
17:41
All right. Let's
go back over here.
17:44
Got a question
from this section?
17:45
Right here, second row.
17:48
Child:
How does your coach coach you?
17:50
Shellie Pfohl:
Great question.
17:53
Yeah, let's take that one.
17:54
A.J. DeLaGarza:
Since he's over
there in the corner,
17:58
he's a very good coach, one of
the greatest coaches ever in the
18:02
He was the national
team's coach.
18:07
He used to coach
D.C. United here.
18:09
When I was growing up -- I was
born in D.C., and my favorite
18:11
team growing up was D.C. United.
18:14
He was the head coach then, and
it's fun to play with him now.
18:15
Shellie Pfohl:
Anybody else want
to take that one?
18:20
They're not touching it, coach.
18:24
They're not touching it.
They're not touching it.
18:25
We got some great youth coaches
right here in this room.
18:28
So how about -- let's have a
hand for your coaches, right!
18:31
Yeah! Awesome. Awesome.
18:33
These coaches are so
important to the program.
18:39
So make sure you thank
them every day, for sure.
18:42
How about over here?
18:45
We have another
question over here?
18:45
Child:
What inspires you
to be in this team?
18:50
David Beckham:
Mike, you take one.
18:57
Mike Magee:
That's a good question.
18:58
I think a lot of things
inspire you growing up.
19:02
I was from Chicago.
19:05
So I think growing up, you know,
watching Michael Jordan and,
19:07
you know, seeing the
things, you know,
19:09
that team did and the way
they competed, you know,
19:12
kind of inspired me to be
active and play sports.
19:15
And obviously, I'm playing
a different sport now,
19:18
but I think that was a
pretty big influence for me.
19:20
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Thank you.
19:26
Who's got another question?
19:31
Yep, second row here.
19:35
I knew we would get to you!
19:38
Child:
Well, this is for David Beckham.
19:39
You know, I'm a Madrid fan, so
I just wanted to tell you that.
19:42
Why did you move from Madrid?
19:45
David Beckham:
I moved from the Madrid because
-- I used to play for Manchester
19:50
United for 12 years.
19:54
And then I moved from Manchester
United to Real Madrid where I
19:56
played for four years.
20:00
And I won the championship
in my last year.
20:01
And then I had the opportunity
to come to this great country
20:04
for a different challenge,
playing a sport that is not
20:08
one of the biggest
sports in the country.
20:12
And I love a challenge.
20:15
I love being part of a team.
20:17
I've got great teammates, great
coaching staff, great fans.
20:19
So I wanted to come play here
and be successful here and
20:25
win a championship.
20:29
And it's one of the reasons why
we're in the White House today,
20:30
because we won the championship.
20:34
So that's one of the
reasons why I moved.
20:36
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Have you all been to
a professional soccer game?
20:46
Who's been to a
professional soccer game?
20:51
Most of you but not
quite all of you.
20:54
So that's a good aspiration, to
get you guys to a game for sure.
20:56
Question over here?
21:00
How about the young
lady here, yeah,
21:03
with the orange
shirt underneath.
21:05
Child:
Hello. My name is Jada.
21:10
And this is for David Beckham.
21:11
Do you inspire kids
to be the best?
21:14
David Beckham:
Another great question.
21:19
When I was growing up,
I wanted, you know,
21:21
to look up to role models such
as some of the great soccer
21:24
players that played for
our country and played for
21:27
Manchester United which was
the team that I supported.
21:31
So I always -- I think it's
important for children to have
21:33
role models, like Mike was
saying about Michael Jordan.
21:37
It's always important to have
someone to look up to and aspire
21:42
And I hope you've all got
someone that you look up to and
21:45
aspire to be because it's very
important in life and in sport.
21:49
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Good question. All right.
21:56
While we're over here, the
gentleman in the third row,
21:59
I guess, while we're
over on this side.
22:03
Tell us your name and
where you're from.
22:07
Child:
My name is Santes
Williams [phonetic].
22:09
I'm from St. Louis, Missouri.
22:10
Is it any kind of food that you
like to eat before the game?
22:15
Shellie Pfohl:
Ah, good one.
22:18
Mike Magee:
I tend to always eat the
same thing on game days.
22:21
I start off every
day eating cereal,
22:24
which I don't know if
that's maybe the best thing,
22:27
And then always
pasta and fruits.
22:30
I try not to eat too much
because I don't want to be full.
22:32
And you know I'm not that
fast of a guy to begin with.
22:34
So I don't want to eat too
much and be slowed down.
22:37
So I just try to eat
just the right amount.
22:39
Shellie Pfohl:
The First Lady obviously talks a
lot with the Let's Move campaign
22:49
about the importance
of good nutrition and
22:52
good physical activity and
the importance of both.
22:56
And you guys have to
live that every day.
22:58
So it's about what you put
in your body is how you get
23:01
the most out of it.
23:05
And have you guys had
to really learn that?
23:06
Did you pay attention to
that earlier in your careers?
23:09
Or has that been part of kind of
an evolution for you in terms of
23:12
really focusing in on the
fuel part, the nutrition part.
23:16
Landon Donovan:
That's a good question, because
I think when you're younger,
23:20
as you guys probably experience,
you can kind of get away with
23:23
eating whatever because
you have lots of energy.
23:26
But as you start to
get a little older,
23:31
you realize how important
what you put in your body is.
23:32
And unfortunately,
as you get older,
23:36
you can't get away with eating
whatever because you don't feel
23:38
And especially as athletes,
if you don't eat right,
23:42
you're not going to be able
to play in the game right.
23:45
So if you guys are all coming
to a game and excited to watch
23:47
us and we haven't taken care of
ourselves and eaten properly the
23:50
night before or the same day,
we're not going to perform well.
23:53
And it's going to be
disappointing for everyone.
23:56
So aside from that,
above all of that,
23:58
I believe it's more enjoyable
to put things in your body that
24:02
make you feel good.
24:06
And I think the more you can
experiment and see what's
24:07
healthy and what also can taste
good -- because there's a lot of
24:10
healthy foods that taste very
good -- you'll not only be a
24:13
better and healthier person, but
you'll feel a lot better too.
24:16
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. More questions?
24:26
Oh, we got some up front here.
24:29
How about right here?
24:30
Then we'll go here.
24:32
Name and where
you're from first.
24:34
Child:
Hi. My name is Ingrid
Melvar [phonetic].
24:35
I'm from Washington, D.C.
24:38
What's your favorite skill
you like to do the best?
24:41
Shellie Pfohl:
Favorite soccer skill?
24:44
Shellie Pfohl:
Okay, guys?
24:47
Todd Dunivant:
This might not be as glamorous
as most people would think,
24:51
but there's three
defenders up here.
24:54
So we not only have to do good
things with the ball but we also
24:56
have to take it
from the other team.
24:59
So for us, tackling
is a big thing.
25:01
So tackling is actually a skill.
25:03
And defending is a skill.
25:05
And you can't win championships
without good defending.
25:06
So I think, for
all the defenders,
25:09
we like a good tackle.
25:11
Shellie Pfohl:
Great. Now, we had another
question right up front here.
25:20
Child:
This is for Landon.
25:26
Shellie Pfohl:
Name and where you're from.
25:29
Child:
My name is Francisco, and
I'm from the United States.
25:30
Shellie Pfohl:
Wonderful. Francisco from
the United States of America.
25:34
Child:
Are you ready for
your match versus Brazil?
25:38
Landon Donovan:
Am I what?
25:41
Child:
Ready versus Brazil?
25:42
Landon Donovan:
Am I ready for the
match versus Brazil?
25:43
He's asking -- I also play,
actually a number of us have
25:49
played for our countries also.
25:53
So we play for the Galaxy
in Los Angeles but David
25:56
also plays for England.
25:59
Us three also play -- actually,
everyone up here besides David
26:01
And we have a match actually
back here in D.C. against Brazil
26:07
at the end of May
which will be very fun.
26:10
As most of you maybe know,
Brazil is kind of known as one
26:12
of the best teams in the world.
26:15
And we're going to play
at Fed-Ex Field, I think,
26:17
where the Redskins play,
which will be a lot of fun.
26:21
So I'm excited about it, yes.
26:23
Shellie Pfohl:
I think, in other words,
Francisco is saying, y'all
26:30
Be ready for Brazil.
26:34
So we've got time for
one more question.
26:36
Who haven't we gotten yet?
26:38
How about in the back?
26:41
Child:
Hi. My name is Ramone
and I'm from El Salvador.
26:46
This question is
for all the players.
26:50
What do you think
soccer is mostly about?
26:52
Shellie Pfohl:
Nice.
26:57
David Beckham:
Well, soccer is mostly
about having fun.
27:04
When you play at a
professional level,
27:09
it still needs to
be about having fun.
27:11
When you're your age, again,
it's all about having fun.
27:15
Like the First Lady
said, it's great to win.
27:20
But you also have to learn
how to lose gracefully.
27:22
Because like I tell my
children all the time,
27:26
you can't win every game.
27:28
But it's about
enjoying yourself.
27:30
It's about taking part.
27:32
It's about looking after
yourself and having fun.
27:33
Sean Franklin:
I would say it's a lot
-- I say mentally you
27:45
really got to be in it.
27:50
It's tough for -- to be
in a game 90 minutes,
27:52
to have your head in
every single play,
27:56
being aware of every situation.
27:59
You could be the best
player on the field.
28:01
You can have the best skills,
but you also have to have it
28:04
And that's something that's
tough to do over the course
28:08
And I think that's one
of the more important
28:11
Mike Magee:
I would definitely agree
with what David said,
28:22
you know, in terms of
just enjoying playing.
28:25
You know, obviously,
if you don't enjoy it,
28:27
you're not having fun, then
maybe you should find something
28:30
that you do have more fun doing.
28:33
So yeah. That's all.
28:37
A.J. DeLaGarza:
Well, I think as an athlete,
we all enjoy competitive games.
28:43
That's why we do what we do.
28:48
And that's kind
of what drives us.
28:51
Todd Dunivant:
For me, it's a lot
about team work.
28:57
And it's about relying on the
guy next to you and backing up
28:59
the guy next to you.
29:02
If he slips, if he falls, you're
right there to make the play for
29:03
him and vice versa.
29:07
And anything you do in life,
it's really hard to get ahead
29:08
just relying on yourself.
29:12
You have to rely on other
people, work with other people.
29:14
And sports is an amazing way to
kind of learn those lessons and
29:16
to thrive on, you know, the
camaraderie that you get from
29:21
So for me, it's all about a team
and sharing championships with,
29:25
you know, these guys up here
and all of our teammates.
29:28
That's what you really enjoy.
29:30
That's what I enjoy.
29:32
Landon Donovan:
I agree with everybody up here.
29:38
Certainly you have to enjoy it.
29:41
I think the team work aspect is
a lot of fun for me personally.
29:42
There's a lot of individual
sports people play.
29:46
But there's something really
special about getting together
29:49
with a bunch of guys and doing
something really special.
29:51
And before we leave, I think
-- the reason we're all here
29:54
is because we have these rings on.
29:57
Did you guys all see these?
30:00
I'm going to hand this
-- don't steal it.
30:02
There's a lot of security here.
30:05
But you guys can pass it
around and look at it.
30:06
Don't steal it, okay Francisco.
30:09
But the reason we're here is
because we all came together
30:12
as a team and did
something really special.
30:14
And that's a really
cool feeling.
30:17
And it's not just six guys here.
30:19
It's 20 something
other guys at home.
30:22
It's all our coaching staff
and the people who support us.
30:24
And that's a really
cool feeling,
30:27
to come together with a
bunch of people and do
30:28
something like that.
30:29
So that's what I enjoy.
30:30
Audience Member:
I have a question.
30:38
Sitting in here, looking at all
of these kids who look up to you
30:39
all on the stage, being a DC
Scores coach -- this is my
30:42
eighth year coaching this
group of kids right here
30:45
But anyways, what kind of
advice would you give them?
30:49
Like one word or one sentence
from each of you to just keep
30:52
that momentum going.
30:57
If you have one piece of advice
that you could just give each of
30:59
these kids in this room.
31:01
Because obviously everybody
in here is here for a reason.
31:02
We love to play the game.
31:06
We hate to lose, but we love to
win, you know, that whole spiel.
31:07
But if you could just say one
thing to them, what would it be?
31:11
Landon Donovan:
I'll start.
31:18
My mom always said to me that if
you don't enjoy it, don't do it.
31:20
And I've heard a lot of
guys say similar things
31:24
in different ways today.
31:26
And it seems like all you guys
are soccer fans or may have
31:27
played or do play, right?
31:30
There's very few people who
become professionals at this.
31:33
But there's tens of millions
of people who love this game
31:36
And if it's not this,
find something you're
31:40
Whether it's another sport,
whether it's reading,
31:44
whether it's writing, whether
it's being a mathematician or a
31:46
scientist, find something
you're passionate about and
31:49
And I think you'll go
a long way in life.
31:52
Shellie Pfohl:
Anyone else?
32:01
I think that said
it pretty well.
32:04
Well, let's give one more round
of applause for our wonderful LA
32:07
Guys, thank you so much.
32:16
Congratulations again.
32:17
And again, we're so
proud to have you as
32:20
wonderful spokespeople.
32:24
Chris and I work with the
President's Council on Fitness,
32:25
Sports and Nutrition.
32:28
So it's really important that,
from a youth sport standpoint,
32:29
that we have great role models
that these kids can look up to
32:33
and gain such great wisdom from
and learn from because you're
32:37
doing it and living
it every day.
32:41
So thank you so much.
32:43