The kids played soccer this fall! Soccer has consumed 9 of our Saturdays. James and Isabelle are not on the same team, so we had lots of back and forth to the field. It’s not too far though! The games were played at Highland Park in South Jordan. It’s a gorgeous spot. Something I like about the league is that practices are right before the game, instead of an additional day during the week. The first 15 minutes of the game are technically “practice” and then there are four, 8 minute quarters. Pretty low key which is necessary for these youngsters.
Isabelle’s opinion of soccer varied each week. Sometimes getting Isabelle to go to soccer was a battle and other times she went happily. The first game Izzy was devastated because the other team “kept taking the ball” from her. Initially, Izzy was a bit shy and hesitant around the coach, Alex, but she warmed up to him. He gave his all to coaching the 2-4 year olds with weekly email reminders and sometimes texts too. Alex was extremely encouraging and enthusiastic. He held Izzy’s hand trying to guide her. We all yelled at Izzy constantly trying to help her run to the ball. Isabelle is a quick runner, but doesn’t quite understand where to run and was often on the opposite side of the field.
Isabelle’s soccer games were like comedy shows. We laughed endlessly. Wearing shin guards was probably Izzy’s least favorite part about soccer. Isabelle’s pink socks got many compliments and so did she. What a cutie. Who knows if she will want to play soccer again. I’m rooting for it because James and Isabelle could be on the same team next year (4-6 year olds). There was only one other girl on her team and that girl despised soccer and quit coming. Izzy didn’t seem to mind being surrounded by boys.
James has “played” soccer before. Play is a loose term. James was far more interested in the playground and his gang of friends than the ball or the goal. In his defense, he was so little last time. This year, James understands the game. James scored multiple times. He scored at least 4 times if you include the goal he scored in the wrong net. Oops. Much to my chagrin, James scored one of his goals while I wasn’t there. We did have to talk to James about spitting at the opposing team at one point. We also had to explain that the other team isn’t trying to be “mean” to him. They’re just trying to get the ball too, it’s nothing personal.
Grannie was able to come to one of James’ games which was special. James can be a bit clumsy while running and falls sometimes, but he is quick. James is an excellent cheerleader and encouraging teammate. He got into it! James informed me that he would like to play soccer again. I was shocked and thrilled. You got it, buddy. James requested that he has the same coaches next year. There were 3 people who helped coach his team—a cute grandma and her adult kids Jenifer and Eric. They did a great job! Obviously, speculating about what snack would be consumed after the game happened weekly. Adrianna and Elijah Bradshaw were on the team too. I liked chatting and screaming with Valerie on the sidelines.
Although it will be nice to have our Saturday mornings back, I think I could get used to being a soccer mom! I’m a soccer fan and played many years. The kids have a final makeup game on Saturday, October 29. They get to wear their Halloween costumes and will get some swag (they’re crossing their fingers for a medal). As if this age of soccer isn’t already complicated enough. Hello chaos. It’s going to be a hoot adding costumes and accessories.
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