Out of Soccer Season!


Soccer was not a forte in my early years.  I don't think I even knew it existed, until  junior high.  I have vivid memories of 9th grade P.E. class, in which the kids on my team determined that I should be goalie.  A tall lanky kid who did know soccer quite well managed to cause the ball to connect with my face.  Glasses flew, nose bled, need I say more?  Hated it from that point forward.  I was only mildly interested as my children learned a little of the sport in Mexico.  Fútbol rápido looked pretty scary to me, and in the streets, it could be brutal.  The kids enjoyed it, but I didn't get absorbed in it. 

Last year, ds played.  Knowing very little about the rules and the official play of the game, he learned a lot.  I learned some, but mostly, I just enjoyed watching him grow and improve.  It was lots of fun for all of us.  Then came the night of closing ceremonies.  The night in which all players in the league received...a trophy.  I left that ceremony with all but the oldest and youngest begging to sign up next time.

Four of the dc are now signed up, all in different age ranges, different practice times, different fields...welcome to my new life as a soccer mom!  We were holding out hope that the practice nights would all be the same, but such was not our fortune.  Four nights a week of practice, game play starting in early September, and we're in it all the way.  Fees, equipment, excitement, snacks, planning for meals on the go...all of it! 

12 yo dd got a little carried away this weekend.  Kicking a basketball full force, she didn't plan to connect with the back of my head.  Don't worry, the pain subsided after a half hour or so.  I didn't lose my memory, either!  5 yo ds woke up excited this morning.  He's had his shin guards and cleats on since before breakfast.  3 yo is begging for his own set of cleats.  I wonder if I can get tennies and convince him that they are cleats.  Are cleats acceptable apparel for Sunday school class?  Guess I'll cross that bridge when and if I get to it!  Needless to say, it's a far cry from my life as a soccer hater.