MADISON, Wis. – “Grind. Believe. Achieve.” That’s The GBA Mentality, according to Eric Leonard. He’s looking to inspire not only youth athletes but other young folks.
We’ve featured the Forward Madison soccer player before, but now Leonard can add author to his resume. He just released his new book called The GBA Mentality.
Leonard uses his story of accomplishing his goals as a professional soccer player to illuminate a path that anyone can follow to overcome adversity, fight against conformity, and ultimately achieve one-percent more in their life.
“My journey to playing professional soccer was sending 500 emails and getting a response from two, and maybe one of them allowing me to come to their invite trials,” Leonard said. “To me, one-percent more is a life habit, it’s a mentality, and I think it’s something that can be replicated into any career or profession. I think that one-percent is what makes you become the next best version of yourself.”
Along with his new book, Leonard also founded a non-profit called GBA Ethos. His goal was to create an organization that gives all kids the opportunity to play soccer regardless of their family’s financial situation.
“Madison has given so much to me, and growing up I played club soccer, and I remember the financial toll that it took to play. My parents would have to pay for me to go travel around the world for just to play soccer,” Leonard said. “For me, I wanted to grow up and find to way to give kids, who have financial limitations, a way that they could play soccer.”
Long-term goals include growing GBA Ethos reach on a national level and eventually building public turf fields here and around the country that are open for anyone to use.
Leonard’s main campaign for fundraising is based on proceeds from his book. Other sources include GBA clothing or donations right to GBA Ethos. You can find more information on his website.
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