Have you ever wondered why geese fly in a "V" formation?

When next you see geese flying overhead in a "V" formation take a moment to appreciate what you are actually seeing. 

Teamwork.

Scientists have discovered that as each goose flaps its wings, it creates an updraft for the next bird behind it in the formation. By flying in a "V" formation the whole flock increases it flying range by more than 70% than if each goose flew on its own.

A soccer team sharing a common direction gets to where they are going quicker and easier, They lift one another along the way by understanding and believing in the trust present in each individual and in the collective whole.



When a goose falls out of formation, it immediately feels its work load increase because of the missing updraft. Drag and resistance force the goose to work almost twice as hard to maintain the pace it enjoyed with the flock. Geese typically rejoin the formation in short order.

Within a soccer team there will be times individuals will not buy into the teams mission and goals. Those individuals will find the going rough for them and must be encouraged to rejoin the group as quickly as possible. Together Everyone Achieves More is not merely a catchy slogan, but is a recipe for success.

When the lead goose tires, he rotates back in the "V" formation and another goose takes the lead.  The individuals of the flock understand each goose has a time to lead the team. It is not only about sharing the workload, but sharing the tasks that comprise the workload that makes the flock stronger than the individual.

On a soccer team, one player cannot be relied upon to do it all.  Each individual will have his role and those roles often change as the teams needs change.  Just because an individual has not been named a captain does not mean he will not need to lead his team at times. Leadership comes in many styles and no one individual can fit all of them. Eaxh individual will have an opportunity to step up for his team and must be prepared to seize the moment.

We often hear geese aproaching before actually seeing them. The honking they do can create quite the ruckus. Geese honk to encourage the flock to keep its pace. This "verbal' support of one another keeps confidence levels high, encourages "buy in" and fosters greater work ethic.

Words of encouragement and support help energize teammates and the team as a whole. It allows individuals to dig a little deeper in overcoming obstacles opponents and the game present.  It is a comfort to know your team has your back and allows the individual to play with greater confidence and passion within his role knowing he has the support of the TEAM behind him.

There are times when an individual goose will become ill or wounded by a hunter.  When this happens, two geese fall out of the formation with him and follow the stricken bird to the ground. They will remain with the injured goose to comfort and proect him until he is able to fly once again or has died. When it is time, they set out with another formation to catch up with their own group.

When a teammate goes down, it is up to the others to be there for him in his time of need. It is important to stand with our teammate. This support, this fostering of trust and installation of confidence in the individual, is what allows TEAMS to overcome adversity when they collectively encounter it on the pitch. When a teammate gets knocked to the ground by a hard foul, get to him quickly and help him to his feet. Keep injured teammates involved in team activites. Build a family atmosphere through your thoughts, words and deeds amongst one another.

Only when individuals understand that it is a privilege, filled with challenges and holding the promise of collective reward, can Team success be enjoyed to its fullest.  The geese flying in the "V"(ictory) formation provide us a blueprint for success.  They trust, support and honor one another on their collective journey.  By doing so, they reach their indvidual destinations successfuly and much quicker than if they go it alone.