We learned quickly that soccer can be a bit intense! I was hoping that Sydney could do 6 or so weeks of Saturday practice/games, but she was already in the age group that practices once a week and has a game each Saturday for 8 weeks. I love to see my kids experience new activities, but I've been in a bit of denial that we are already at the age where these activities will fill up our schedule!
Sydney had six girls on her team and each game was 3-on-3. Being that Sydney has a spotty track record for participation in group activities, I was a bit nervous to see how she would do. She showed us just how much she has matured, was immediately comfortable with her teammates, and gave 100% effort. I was pleased to see how hard she was trying, how respectful she was of her coach, and how nice she was to her teammates, but her actual soccer skills didn't seem to be coming along very quickly. She would run her little heart out during each game (and she's fast!), but she rarely touched the ball. Her smile though - she had an ear to ear grin the whole time she was on the field, so we felt like the experience was successful even if she wasn't that good at the actual sport. But then, week 5 came along and she had her breakout game! She was aggressive, played defense and offense with some skill, and scored 3 times! And all with the same huge smile. She built up some confidence and from that game on was one of the better players.
Look at that smile!
Goal!
Myles was in the TOPS league, which is geared toward kids with disabilities. They played every Saturday afternoon with a core group of the same coaches in addition to a different volunteer high school team each week. Myles absolutely loved it! He was so motivated during the sessions and took direction well from his coaches. They would typically do some soccer drills for the first half and then have a scrimmage at the end, although with very loose rules to accommodate the players. Although most of the kids just came in tennis shoes and gym clothes (no shin guards or cleats), Myles was adamant about wearing the same official uniform as his sister, so we had them share and he wore his sister's each week. (Those uniforms are too expensive for this frugal mama to buy two!!) It made me chuckle to see him all suited up amongst his friends in their less official outfits, I can only imagine that some other parents thought we were a bit too intense, but it was genuinely all Myles.
We look forward to a great fall season for both of them just around the corner!
Grandma was our #1 fan and came to almost every game!
Daddy vs. the kids. Ryker can't wait until he's old enough to play - he's been known to say, "I older NOW, Mom!"
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