This is where players are made. A place where different levels of talent, age, and size show up. There are no referees. There is you, the competition, and the ball. On the face of it, it is very simple. Play until you get tired and lose or the lights go out.
Underneath, it is insanely complex just like Nature. A thousand different variables run through your head as you must make choices faster than you can think. You learn from the older boys as they showcase their skills against lesser competition. It makes you hard and strong when they try to kick you. You try new tricks against the younger kids expanding your skillset and pushing the limits of your ability.
The fun and excitement put you into something called a flow state. A state where time flies and everything else in life drifts away. This is the state where great ability shows itself. Working on your ability to get yourself into this state will bring the best out of you.
The social competition without coaches puts you into a place where you try things you wouldn't try otherwise. It pushes performance to a new level hard to achieve on your own.