Soccer Mom Summer

This summer we signed the boys up for summer soccer through our local AYSO. It's a completely volunteer-run soccer group, so that means that dads and moms are coaches for the kiddos.

Jackson and Charlie both have never played soccer before, or any other organized sport for that matter. The first practice before the season started was fun - Jackson had no idea what he was doing but he was really motivated. We missed the pre-season practice for Charlie's team. Charlie was a good "little coach" for Jackson's team though, trying to tell the kids to do whatever the coach was saying, pointing his finger and making demands, etc. Made us laugh.

Move onto the first couple games of the season - the games are either at 5:30pm or 6:45pm, twice a week. Late for us. We usually are eating dinner at 5:30 and winding down/relaxing afterwards, so these game times were really late for our family. Most of our games are at 6:45!

The kids went to their first games, with myself going to Charlie's first game and Sean going to Jackson's first game. The next game of the week Sean and I flip-flop so we can each see them play during the week.

Jackson and Charlie are so sweet in wanting to learn how to play, but if you were at the game you could tell that the late start time is hard for Charlie. Jackson keeps trying, and that's all that really matters, right?

This past week, I was at a game where Jackson's team (all seasoned players, except Jackson) were up against another team, who were all rookies at soccer. Jackson's team scored so many points and the ball stayed in their possession for most of the game. This was the first time as a parent that I've witnessed the 'crazy sport parent'. There were these two dads who stood on the side line, arms folded and yelling at their sons, to get the ball, keep running, go go go! One of them even threatened to take away the kiddos video game time if he didn't kick the ball. It was like a train wreck for me to see and hear.

These kids are under 7 years old. They are not going to win scholarships for college or be picked up by some agent at a summer soccer league. Yes, I understand that they were trying to encourage their children, however the threats of things being taken away? There were many other things that were said during that game, and then the *staring* at me when I would yell to Jackson to keep running (he was doing spins on the field. Fun, but not soccer!) with his team and just keep running. It wasn't just one look by these dads, but several, and they'd quickly look away when I'd look back at them. Maybe it was because I was breastfeeding Tabitha (with a blanket!) or something? I'm not sure.

Anyways, I just wanted to write about my first experience, as a mama, seeing the crazy sport parent in action. And yes, I'm sure that was pretty mild compared to some of what other kids go through with dedicated training.. but it was new to me!!