Rising Above: Ian Harkes Journey to Resilience

If you're interested in the highs and lows of football, I've got plenty of stories to share.

Today, let me recount how I earned qualification for the Europa Conference League with Dundee United. It marked one of our finest season finishes in recent memory, securing a fourth-place spot behind Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts. Personally, I enjoyed a stellar season, earning the Player of the Season award.

However, the season ended on a challenging note due to a severe ankle injury that kept me sidelined for the final few games.

Nevertheless, the excitement of qualifying for European football, a childhood dream, fueled my determination. I dedicated myself to rehabilitating my ankle, eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and the Conference League qualifiers. In the offseason, I focused on hard work, ensuring my fitness and ankle strength for the new season. The draw for the European Conference League paired us against the formidable European giants, AZ Alkmaar. While it was undoubtedly a daunting prospect, we were equally excited to prove our mettle.

Our first game took place at Tannadice, our home ground, amidst an electric atmosphere. We toiled relentlessly and delivered a strong performance, leading 1-0 in the last 15 minutes. We fought tenaciously to secure the win, leaving the pitch to a sea of tangerine shirts and resounding cheers. This remains one of my favorite memories as a Dundee United player—an unforgettable night marked by one of our biggest upsets.

However, triumph often accompanies adversity.

Our journey took us to AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands for the second leg, filled with hope but aware of the challenge ahead. Although we started the game well, with a fairly even contest for about 20 minutes, AZ Alkmaar scored around the 20th minute. Shortly after, I had a chance on a bicycle kick, but the keeper made an incredible save. At that moment, our hopes dwindled. The scoreline continued to mount against us, ending at 7-0 in favor of Alkmaar—a humbling defeat.

Mental Resilience doesn't entail avoiding such lows; it's about learning from them and summoning the strength to persevere. It's about finding motivation and determination when others doubt your abilities.

My teammates and I faced the challenge head-on. I looked in the mirror and reaffirmed my belief in myself, recognizing that one game doesn't define me. It's natural for doubt and negative thoughts to creep in, but not empowering them is the true measure of courage and resilience. In sports and in life, we all experience failures and losses. It's not a matter of if, but WHEN. What we can control is our response to the lows and how they shape our journey moving forward.

Remember, mental fitness is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to develop, but it's worth it. My new go-to for handling the highs and lows of the game and life? The Elite Mental Fitness Essentials course from Soccer Resilience®. It's a game-changer, and I'm so glad I made the investment. If you're looking to level up your mental game, I highly recommend it!

Until next time, keep building resilience! 

Ian Harkes
New England Revolution