Soccer
I fear my inevitable evolution into a Soccer Mom has begun.
Today I bought Lucas his first pair of cleats, shin guards, and soccer socks. Big 5 had a deal on the shoes, shin guards, and a ball for $29.95, which was timely, as tonight Lucas starts a four-day soccer camp. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. he’ll be learning soccer skills. Ian will be taking him to camp tonight, and will do that meet-the-coach thing.
I am hoping that this will be the first soccer experience for other kids, too, as it is Lucas’s first. I figured this short camp might be the perfect introduction to the sport—give him a taste of it without the long commitment and competition of games. If he takes to it and loves it, well … then I guess we’ll become a soccer family.
He is a sporty boy, and loves all manner of games. But he basically plays a kind of Lucas Ball—no matter the size or shape of the ball—wherein he makes up all the rules to his benefit, based on the little he knows of each sport. I think it’s important for him that he learn the all-pervasive boy vernacular. I feel it’s our job to give him enriching experiences of all types, and sports is one of them.
Inside I am silently screaming NOOOOOOOOOOO! But I know there are all kinds of good things to be gained from participating in organized sports. I just have no first-hand experience of them. Hopefully, Lucas will get something fantastic out of it.
July 27, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Soccer moms arent so bad. If he loves the sport then he will gain skills in teamwork, sharing, sportsmanship, and hand-eye coordination. The bad reputation comes from the agressiveness, the overindulgence, and the superficiality that some rotten apples exress. I think a short intro to soccer is a great start!!!
July 27, 2009 at 8:50 pm
awww, i was seven when i first joined a soccer team! my first season was grueling for my parents — i kicked the ball once that season, just to make the swarm of ball-chasers move in a direction away from me, and my parents took me out for pizza to celebrate. the next season i wanted to play again (much to their surprise; their anxiety was that they’d have a nerdy bookish kid that they couldn’t relate to) and i was a top scorer of the league. i played until my junior year in high school. my very kind and patient parents spent a lot of cold saturdays in the rain so that i might become a more enriched person; i’m grateful for it, certainly.
hooray for lucas! and bravo to you. xo
July 30, 2009 at 12:53 am
Oo, now this post has pictures. He really looks very dashing in all his kit. I love you, and in my mind I can hear both voices — the one in awe and respect of Lucas and the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
In defense of Saturday morning games: think of all the knitting you’ll be able to do!
I love you darling. Home this weekend?