Soccer--The Experience

So this is all not so timely, which seems to be a theme for me, but Amelia played her first season of soccer ever this spring. She played for the YMCA Scorpions, with her uncle Bryan as coach. Honestly, I think she was most excited about soccer because she wanted a soccer outfit and cleats and shin-guards. She was mildly engaged at the first practice, but when it came to the first game, she stood in the center of the field, a ponytail and hair ribbons to boot, and put her hands over her face.


So, we didn't give up.


She explained later that she liked practice because they played games and had fun, but that the actual Saturday morning soccer game was just too scary. The kids moved too fast and she never got the ball, apparently.


So, we kept at it.


She became more engaged at practice, usually following Uncle Bryan's requests and then moving the cones he set up when his back was turned. Each consecutive Saturday morning, she did a little better. She moved from flat-out refusing to play to playing for short spurts, to giving us thumbs up as she ran-skipped along, heels clicking her behind. The last game, Amelia was shoving other kids out of the way to get the ball. And, she even scored a goal!

(It was for the other team, but who's really keeping track?)

the first game

action at the last game

the team photo

The best part, according to Amelia, was the trophy with her name on it. It sits proudly displayed on her dresser. And if you come for a visit, it is very likely she'll show it to you, whether you ask to see it or not.