The Animo Performance College ID Camp has become one of my favorite annual trips. It’s an opportunity to help bring self-awareness, mental skill development, and gratitude to the recruiting journey while connecting with a dynamic group of players and coaches from around the country.

Here, we’re using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) to aid in physical and mental recovery after the morning training session at Chabot College.

Hayward, CA. June 2026.

But First, The News:

Anyone else notice that the cleats in this Men’s World Cup in the month of June come in a veritable rainbow of colors, led by swaths of bold, sexy, hot pink? Happy coincidence, or unintentional statement? I’ll let you decide. In any case, Happy Pride! You don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to honor, celebrate, support, and stand up for your neighbors, friends, coworkers, family members, and teammates - you know, human beings - who struggle daily with the cruel imposition of laws and policies based in ignorance, fear, and stupidity. Being kind and open-hearted is a choice. Make it.

Also This Month:

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. I happen to have an incredibly special one, a real person who taught me integrity, morality, humility, healthy skepticism, righteousness, humor, and compassion, unconditional love and accountability, and who showed me how to really do the work.

The best thing we can do is be positive models for our children; it’s my goal to be as good an example for my children as my dad has been for me.

And now, some PLAYfree News:

This month, I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new in-person series for teams and organizations that want to create transformational, human-centered, and dynamic performance environments built on shared language, strong relationships, and a relentless and resilient orientation to growth and purpose. It’s called The Shift, and it really works. Ask me how.

You can find long-form essays, quick performance tips, and links to podcast interviews and other media, as well as learning more about PLAYfree and getting in touch with me, by visiting the website. Just click the button below!

If reading anything here inspires you to think, or you want to discuss it further, please reach out. If you know anyone who would enjoy this newsletter or could benefit from it, please forward it along!

Thanks for joining in the conversation.

All photos and content are the intellectual property of Aaron S. Goldman and are not to be reused or reproduced without express written permission.