(The title is for my fellow Backyardigans fans, an homage to the Soccer Monster episode.)
Yes, Matthew started soccer today! He had his first practice ever, but not without some cajoling on my part. When I first signed him up, he was estatic. Then after his coach called this week with the practice times, he started throwing a fit about going. I finally figured out that he didn't want to go because he didn't know how to play. After convincing him that none of the other kindergarteners on his team knew how to play either, he went. He also got to pick out his shin guards (required) and take his own ball. (Thank you, Uncle Chris, for picking out the coolest ball at practice today!)
We arrived at about the same time as two other teammates and they all immediately started kicking around their balls. His coach is a very nice guy who's son is also on the team. The boy had a bit of that "my dad's the coach" ego going on, but his dad gently and firmly put him in his place. Coach Todd is a great guy and the assistant coach is fun as well. We had a parent meeting to start where he explained that it's pretty laid back and fun for the kids. We got a packet of info and a coupon for a free soccer ball. Not bad!
Matthew looked pretty good out there and we'll need to work on passing (he informed us he didn't pass to his partner b/c it was HIS ball) but he's got great control and paid attention well. We repeatedly enforced to him that his coach was in charge, so I only got one "Hi, Mom!" and he only got drinks when his coach said it was okay. His first real game will be next Saturday.
Ben stayed with me to watch practice and I brought him a little ball to play with. Another dad took him over to play on the side lines and Ben was his buddy for the rest of practice. Rob and Anna went to start on the grocery shopping and then came to watch when the kids were scrimmaging. Poor Anna....she saw that the ball they were playing with was "hers" and she kept trying to join the game. Rob finally wrangled her into her carseat where she stayed with him until practice ended. Next time we'll bring the stroller :)
Matthew really liked it and said he won't complain again. We're looking forward to a fun season!
1 comment:
that sounds like a fun time. We are putting Eóin in soccer tots this year mostly to work on his social skills with kids his own age. And it wouldn't hurt to have some help in the athletic dept - he is certainly not going to get it from us!
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