Soccer Quote

On our way to a game a few weeks ago, I said: "I hope I get to see you kick a goal."

G: "I only can do that when someone is distracted."

Sweet boy.

Soccer

G finished up his soccer season.  He improved TONS. 

 

He definitely exhibits the heart of a happy-to-be-playing friend rather than the heart of a warrior.  I’d vote him “most likely to end up sprawled on the grass” or “most likely to shout for fun while playing.”

 

His biggest learning was – when your teammate has the ball, let them go; when your opponent has the ball, go get it!  We had that a bit reversed at the beginning of the season, but he figured it out (with plenty of practice with Mr. Peter).

 

Before his last Saturday game he announced: “I’m gonna kick kick kick to the goal!... And maybe it doesn’t go in….  I’m just gonna do my best as I can.”  And he did.  He scored his first goal!  Even then, he wasn’t thumping his chest.  Whenever I prompted him to share his news, he explained “well, their goalie was distracted.”  Sweet boy.

 

Fun experience.

Soccer Fun

I'm glad G is able to be on a soccer team.  It's working because his babysitter Mr. Peter takes him to the 5:00 practices.  I meet them there and take G home.  Perfect!

Last Saturday we had our team photos taken.  I got to meet another mom - Denise - there.  Denise asked who my child was, and I pointed out G. 

Denise (confidently): I've talked with his father.

Me (stumbling, looking around to see if there's a Black man in the room): uhhh...

Denise (trying to help me): ... your husband.

Me: uhhh...

Eventually we determine that she has talked with Mr. Peter.  i.e. My 19-year-old babysitter.  i.e. NOT my husband!  Seriously?

This Saturday G had his first game.  G invited everyone under the sun, but the only person able to come was Joseph's dad.  He got to witness a thrilling game.  Interestingly, G - normally so very bold - was not.  He'd kind of jog over to the ball and then let someone else kick it.  He enjoyed playing but didn't seem to fully grasp the purpose or the competitive aspect.

Joseph's dad left a bit early and Denise caught my eye.

Me (helpfully): He's not my husband either.

Denise (confidently): But he is G's dad.  Well, obviously.

Me: No.  But he is my other son's dad.

Conclusion - G is currently the weakest link on his team.  I'm not much more solid among the moms.  But we are both enjoying soccer!

G is on a Soccer Team!

G has his first 2 practices behind him, so he is our new confident soccer expert.

Yesterday a friend asked G if he is good at passing the ball.

No, we just kick our own ball.

But when you play a game and there's only one ball on the field and you need to get it to your teammates - Are you good at passing the ball over?

(Firmly and patiently:)  No.  Everybody has their own ball.  You only kick your own ball.

...Which is true.  In both of his practices, the kids do all of the drills individually, using their own balls.  So - G doesn't know that in a game they'll be sharing a ball.

First game is a week from Saturday.

It's going to be great!