Su Jeong Choi: A neuroscientist's inspired by Seoul Calcio FC

Holding the #10, Roberto Baggio's jersey number, her legendary favorite player. Credit: Su Jeong Choi

This report reveals a remarkable transformation, from a complete sports novice to an enthusiastic participant in Seoul Calcio FC. Su Jeong Choi, aged 45, is a neuroscientist from South Korea, embarked on an unexpected journey into the world of football, driven by her husband's Matteo Cerica.

Choi's passion began through observing her partner, whose dedication to the sport was extraordinary. His ability to recall intricate details of past matches, a feat she found fascinating as a neuroscientist, sparked her curiosity becaming intrigued by the cognitive demands of football, where players must rapidly process information and make split-second decisions.

The impact of the sport on her personal and academic life has been profound. As a researcher, her work often involved long hours in a fixed posture, leading to lack of physical endurance. Football provided a much-needed physical outlet, significantly improving her stamina and reducing daily fatigue.

Two sides

Choi's perspective on Korean football culture contrasts sharply with the Italian approach experienced at Seoul Calcio FC. She observed that many Korean football enthusiasts prioritize socializing over skill development, expecting victory without dedicated effort. Though, at Seoul Calcio, the focus is on critical thinking and independent decision-making, a refreshing departure from the rote memorization prevalent in local education.

The Italian training methodology, which emphasizes understanding the game and making informed decisions rather than simply following instructions, resonated deeply with her analytical mind. She believes that the European approach, particularly the Italian style, is superior, allowing players to develop true football intelligence.

Kick off

Matteo consistently focuses on developing the mental strength of his players. Credit: La10co.com

The first memory of Seoul Calcio predates its official formation, during an event where diverse nationalities trained together. She was immediately impressed by the coach's ability to assess players' strengths and weaknesses and tailor training accordingly, highlighting the team's unique approach.

Through football, she learned the importance of team cohesion, a value that has also enhanced her research skills. While individual capabilities are crucial in her professional field, football has taught her to recognize and collaborate with diverse personalities and abilities.

Her perspective on teamwork and competition has also evolved. She now understands that individual skills alone are insufficient; teamwork and collaboration are essential for achieving success.

Because of football

When asked about her inspiration, Choi pointed to her family, and to the legendary Roberto Baggio as her favorite player. She also supports the Suwon Blue Wings, a remarkable local team located in Suwon, one hour from Seoul. Because of football, Choi's advice to young people pursuing sports is to remain dedicated and never stop learning. The importance of hard work, perseverance, and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals.

In summary, Su Jeong Choi's journey with Seoul Calcio FC is a testament to the transformative power of sports. Her experiences have not only improved her physical well-being but also deepened her cognitive aspects of sports. Her dedication and analytical approach make her a valuable member of the team, and her insights provide a unique perspective on the differences between Korean and Italian football cultures. *** More stories you might be interested

Ara demonstrates her skills during Seoul Calcio FC training.. Credit: Mariano/ Seoul Calcio FC

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