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During halftime of their home game against St. Francis this fall, the North Branch Vikings girls soccer team committed to fight for strong values in sport. Together, with the middle school girl's soccer team and their coaches, it formed the words "Cool & Clean" on the stadium field.

While the players and coaches remained on field, freshman Alina Amunrud read the five commitments of the program, launched by Viking head coach Peter Grand. He says that the idea is to make an important contribution to positive sporting and personal development of young people.

"My goal as the head of the North Branch High School girls soccer program," said Grand, "is to build personalities, not only soccer players. I want my players to assume responsibility for their own actions. They have already shown me that they are committed to the rules we set up at the beginning of our season. Personally, I think it's not too early to learn about these aspects at the junior high level. That is why I invited the middle school soccer players as well - to build a bridge between both schools' soccer programs."

Dr. Deb Henton, North Branch School District Superintendent, was present during the ceremony and commented, "It was with great pleasure that I witnessed the soccer players' role-model-appropriate behavior for the younger players. Their dedication to leading a clean and active lifestyle is what we want for all of our students. The new Cool and Clean initiative for the girls' soccer program teaches students what we want them to know - that students who do not use illegal substances are cool! Our soccer players showed everyone in attendance that they are willing to do what's right and to make that commitment in front of others who will hold them accountable for keeping their promise."

THE FIVE COMMITMENTS

I WANT TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS!

I love sporting challenges. I can experience enjoyment, progress and success in sport. I am prepared to do my best and discover my limits. I know that failures, disappointments and defeats are also part of sport and I learn from them.

MY BEHAVIOR IS FAIR!

I treat fellow players, opponents, trainers, and judges with respect and openness. I accept the rules and decision of judges and referees. I oppose any form of violence. I am prepared to integrate into a team and to welcome others into the team. Together we help to make sport fair.

I ACHIEVE MY GOALS WITHOUT TAKING DRUGS!

I achieve my goals through my own efforts. There are no short cuts. I allow enough time for my development. I improve my fitness, technique, tactics and mental strength through training. So, I say no to banned substances and products that promise sporting success. I do not abuse either stimulants or painkillers.

I AVOID TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND OTHER ADDICTIVE DRUGS!

I find happiness and excitement, a sense of community and relaxation in sport and everyday life. To have good experiences, I don't need any kind of addictive substances that pose a risk to my health and affect my perception or behavior.

I ...! / WE ...!

I word this commitment for myself or we word this commintment for our team. I think about what I want to commit myself to and how I can honor that commitment. Everyone thinks about it and we discuss it. I create a written record of my/our own commitment. I am cool and clean because I say 'yes' to the commitments and, in doing so, assume responsibility for myself and my team.

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