I Admit It....I'm a Soccer Mom!

I signed the girls up for soccer this spring. Our intention is to sign the girls up for different activities and sports over the next couple of years and let them decide which activity they like best. I had a feeling they might like soccer since they enjoy kicking the ball around in the backyard. Also, Amelia participated in a Tots Sports Academy class at the local community center that we belong to and she loved when they got to play soccer.  On days I would go work out, she would beg to go to the gym afterwards so I could play soccer with her.

I wasn't so sure how this season would work. I was under the impression when I signed up that the season was only six weeks long; however it was actually eight weeks. I thought that period of time might be too much for the kids and I wasn't looking forward to giving up six consecutive Saturdays for games.

Our first scheduled practice was cancelled due to rainy and cold conditions.  The next week, I kept checking the cancellation hotline thinking that surely practice would be canceled since the rain/snow clouds were forming. When we arrived at practice it started hailing and soon turned into snowy blizzard conditions.  However, the coach kept on with practice and all the kids had a lot of fun. They were supposed to have their first game that following Saturday; however, due to heavy precipitation that week, all games were cancelled. I wondered what I had gotten ourselves into.

Finally the weather cleared and they had their first game. I have to say, I was shocked at how well the kids played. I thought for sure that it would be four kids on each team running around the field huddled altogether kicking the ball anywhere. There were a couple of instances of kicking the ball in the wrong direction, but the kids were quickly pointed the correct way.  During the first game, the kids were a little timid about getting in there and really kicking the ball and trying to take it away from their opponents - understandable since we tell them all the time to "share and not take things away from others."

Amelia and Allison quickly found their niche on the soccer field and looked like they actually belonged. Allison kept the ball under control and had some great breakaways and was able to get the ball across the field to the net. We also noticed that when she was really into the game, Allison would have her tongue hanging out - sort of like another famous athlete (i.e. Michael Jordan). Amelia, on the other hand, let it be known that she wasn't going to be intimidated by others. When she came onto the field, Amelia would assume her "sumo wrestler" position and literally dig into the ground and then take off like a pistol at the sound of the whistle.

Rather than dreading giving up those Saturdays, we would look forward to watching our girls and their teammates play.  We were also treated in witnessing both Allison and Amelia scoring a couple of goals during the season. We were so fortunate to have such a wonderful team this year; the coaches were amazing with the kids and taught them a lot of new skills. The other parents were great too.

Not only did we enjoy watching the girls gain new physical skills, we also enjoyed observing their confidence grow week-by-week. We are all looking forward to the fall when the soccer season begins again.