Soccer So Far: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

We decided to sign Luci up for soccer this year. I wanted her to be involved in something that encouraged her to be active and learn to work with a team. Mitch and I have both said that if she doesn't like it, fine. She will only play for this season. But, we both think/thought she would really enjoy it since she has shown lots of interest in kicking the ball in the back-yard. So, we signed Luci up...Mitch signed up to Coach...and K & T signed up for Assistant Coach...and Assistant to the Soccer Mom aka #1 Cheerleader!!!

So...fast-forward to 2 Monday's ago. Luci had her first soccer practice. She was all out there ready to go...and then it was time to get started. She got shy. She stood back and watched the rest of the team do their "drills." I encouraged her, but didn't force her to go out there. Finally, during the last 15 minutes or so of practice, she warmed up and really got out there kicking her ball!!!

She missed the first game of the season since we were in San Antonio. K & T took over the coaching duties.

Her first official game fell last Thursday. Thursday was cloudy, dreary, and rainy. For some reason, the games were not cancelled...so we loaded up and went to play in the rain. Luci was so excited about her first game...until it was time to actually play. She whined. She cried. She refused to play. Sigh. Then, after a lot of encouraging (and a little bribing), she decided she would go out for the last quarter (6 quarters at 5 minutes each). She took her place on the field. The ball was placed in her direction, and she gave it 2 good kicks!!! Then, it happened. Someone kicked the ball away from her...and. she. lost. it. I finally had to go pick up my sobbing child off of the field (mind you it is still raining) and carry her back to the sidelines. I'll be honest with you. I was embarrassed. Well, a little. The other children weren't angels...and let's be honest, they are 3...and it was raining.

After the game, I talked it out with Mitch, and we evaluated the situation (You know, because I think everything needs a good, long, proper evaluation). We both came to the conclusion that even though Luci knew some things about soccer, we don't think she ever really understood the "point" of the game...That the goal was for people to kick the ball away from you. Yeah, try to explain to an only child about something getting taken away from them! Lol!

So in the days after the first game disaster, we had long conversations about soccer and about what was going to happen when she was playing. I also explained to her that it was ok if she didn't want to go out there and play. No one would be mad or disappointed. However, it was not ok for her to get out there and throw a fit. That would be unacceptable and not tolerated.

So, Saturday was her second game of the season. Luci opted to go out on the field for the 1st quarter! She was smiling and excited. The ball was placed, and the game started...and Luci didn't move. She stood in her spot and smiled and waved at us! She did that for quite a while. I think she ended up kicking the ball a few times, but mostly stood in her spot and smiled and waved! Hey, at least she wasn't crying! She was happy to be out there, and I was happy she was having fun!!!

On Monday, we had another practice. She really got in there and was trying! She was kicking her ball and running with it. She even did pretty good on the "stop and go" drills. I am proud of her! I don't care if she is a soccer star...or if she is ever really good. I just want her to be active, work with her team, and most importantly, have fun!!

I will tell you what I have learned so far...watching 3 year olds try to play soccer is really comical!!! And Mitch and Taylor are saints for coaching!!! :-)

I will post another update mid-season!

Ready for her first practice!

First game! I guess I should have known by the look on her face that she was a bit nervous! Ha!

2nd game!! Happy to be on the field. Note that no one else is around her...because they are actually playing soccer while she is posing on the field! At least she was happy!!!

Kerri, Mitch, and I got a little crafty!!! Our shirts!!!