This past week the 3 older kids had soccer try outs. Here, there's rec soccer, then above that is travel, then above that is Elite. Rec is what the kids have played since preschool age but then in 4th grade they can try out for the travel teams. Travel teams are divided in 2: white and red. Their first years both boys made white then second years, both made red. Regardless, you have to try out every year. So this past week, the boys tried out, along with their sister. It's fun to see them play, but the "unknown" is killing them. They're so worried, excited, and anxious to see how they did. Their numbers are on the fridge, just waiting for June 2nd to roll around when the teams are announced. Kind of exciting.
Personally, I think they're too young to go through this, but to see their emotions; it's kind of entertaining. It's such a HUGE deal to them to not only make the travel team, but to make the "red" team. As a parent, I couldn't care less. I'm so concerned more with who the COACH is that I don't care about team level. I try and explain this to them, but of course, that's crazy talk from their mom.
I've been super proud of all my soccer players this season. I identified for each kid their challenge for the season. Colby ended up back on the white team because in the fall, rather than play soccer he played football, forfeiting his position on the red team. So his "challenge" was to stand out, be the strongest player on his team. His position is defender. He did GREAT this season! It's so fun to watch him and his aggression, his timing, his strong kick and even stronger headers. Watching Colby play, you KNOW he understands the sport. Dallin's challenge was pecking his way through the team. He pretty much rode the bench in the fall. I can't totally blame him or his coach. He had broken his leg at the beginning of summer which totally slowed him down on the field that fall. Super slow and he was NOT aggressive at all. I couldn't blame him. I tore my ACL (and then some) playing soccer and to go back to full throttle aggression is mentally hard. Spring season, he was still second string, but every time he played, every second on the field, he gave it his all. He averaged 20 mins a game which was hard for me to watch, but at the same time, I was so proud of Dallin for giving his ALL those 20 mins and not being a poor sport and getting all attitudy for such short playing times. I loved seeing his excitement and energy both on the field AND on the bench. That kid doesn't let bad situations get him down. I love that about him!
Angela I have to say impressed me the most. Her "challenge" this season was to over come a fear she had of one of the players on another team. This player intimidated her. She has not only out challenged this player, taken the ball from her, dribbled around her, but most importantly, they've become friends! I can't say enough how proud I am of her! Angela's such a great player. She's fast, has such a strong kick, dribbles well, and still does it all with a smile. Her tryouts went well. No matter where she plays in the fall, I'm super proud of that girl! Jessika's challenge was simply holding her own in Angela's age division. With Matt out in WA doing rotations, I had to consolidate at much as possible. So I pulled Jess up to play with Ange. And she has proved herself to be quite the little fighter out there. I don't think she ever got the memo that she was 2 heads shorter and about 3 bodies smaller than most of the other players on the field. That girl just charges, dribbles, and doesn't lose her head out there. Even her older brothers who notice NOTHING in life, comment during her games, "Mom, look how much smaller Jess is than the girl she's guarding" etc. It'll be cool to see her play back at her age group. Some day. :)
I coached Addi and Owen this season. Last season soccer finally clicked for Addi. She stopped dancing around the ball and running with the group and started actually going for the ball, dribbling and shooting. This season she totally mastered "opening up for a pass." I love how the older girls play, but I think Addi may be even better than them. She's already dribbling w/her head up, more aggressive then they are, and fast! Little O finally figured out soccer this season. Last season, all that kid did was chase the mob of players. Didn't even kick at the ball. Just ran around. Now he's dribbling, shooting, and man that kid's fast. I already broke it to Colby and Dallin that he was playing better at this age than they were. They didn't appreciate it. Oh well.
And as for the little ones. The kids are beginning the brainwashing of soccer as they kick the ball around with Riley. I love watching them show him how to properly kick a soccer ball vs toeing it. Their lives, at a very early age, get sucked into the world of soccer. Sadie has already been to about 5 thousand games and practices. And I LOVE it! I could write about a book about the benefits of sports for kids and then another book about the benefits of that sport being soccer. But I won't, because I don't think many will buy it! :) HaHaHaHa (you don't see that much, mainly the annoying "LOL.")
Well, I finally have the 2 babies sleeping, it's a beautiful day, so I'm going to open the back door and windows and clean the family room. Owen's outside playing. Such a peaceful, wonderful day today!
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