""Soccer helped my mom survive," Boykoff writes, illustrating how his love for the sport provided his mother, affected by polio, with moments of rest and relief."
""Somehow kicking a ball held cachet," he writes, reflecting on how being a professional player elevated his social status and shaped his identity."
"Boykoff describes flow as a psychological state, capturing the essence of soccer's ability to create moments of collective recognition and joy among players and fans."
Jules Boykoff's memoir, Kicking, reflects on his deep love for soccer while acknowledging its flaws. His experiences, from playing for the U.S. under-23 national team to his mother's reliance on soccer for respite, shape his narrative. Boykoff explores the sport's sociopolitical significance, detailing how soccer influenced his social status and personal struggles, including addiction. He captures the essence of soccer's impact on relationships and personal growth, emphasizing its multifaceted role in life.
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