Gratitude Day 3: Sports

Today my two older kids (CM and JJ) had their last soccer games.  My third child (AD) also played soccer this fall--he finished at the end of September.

AD is the one in the red shirt getting ready to kick the ball.


I am grateful for the opportunity they have all had to participate in soccer.  They've learned new skills, exercised, learned about teamwork and had a good time.  My oldest is also a swimmer.  She did OK with soccer but really shines with swimming.  I think my two boys have the potential to become really good soccer players.  They're always outside with the balls. 

JJ is #6 (blue shirt)

 
Since the beginning of September our Saturdays have pretty much revolved around soccer and football.  Through September we had games at 9 am, 12 noon and 1:30 pm.  After AD finished his season, we had games at 12 noon and 1:30 pm.  There was always a football game we wanted to watch.  Usually BYU.  Occasionally we caught a USU game.  And we'd check in with whatever the hot game in the top 25 was for the day.

AD played in the 3-4 age group.  They didn't really keep score so I have no idea how many games they "won" or "lost".  Most of the time I didn't even know the final score.  CM, I think, won half and lost half her games.  JJ lost the first 5 and won the last 3.  He scored one goal in the second-to-last game and two goals in today's final game.  Losses were disappointing, but our goal was for our children to get some exercise, learn new skills, and have fun.  Winning was secondary.

CM is the one in the middle.




When we signed up CM and JJ, we signed up for both fall and spring soccer.  So while their fall season is over, sometime next spring they will start up again.  In the meantime, CM will continue working on her swimming, JJ will continue throwing his football around in the backyard and AD will run around kicking his soccer ball.

The Writer (my husband) and I have always tried to be cheerleaders without overriding the coach's instructions.  I have read so many stories of children not wanting to play a sport anymore because their parent(s) got too involved, or parents second guessing referees and coaches at games, and just ruining the fun for everyone.  So we tried to just be supportive and let the the players play, the coaches coach and the referees ref.