Almost Over

Last night, Ansley had her second-to-the-last game. They won. Not that Ansley cares, or knows. She cheers when the other team scores too - she's all about spreading happiness. Here is her take on the whole thing. When I look at this photo, I think we could look back on this photo and remember it as the one season Ansley played soccer, or we could look back on it as the season Ansley realized her love for soccer. It's so hard to know at this age, but either way is fine with me.

   

She is a happy soccer player. And she likes it much better when it's cool. Or, as was the case last night, cold. VERY cold. Christian likes to yell "GO, ANSLEY!" or "Get the ball, Shawn!" or whatever he hears us yelling. He's an adorable spectator.

 

I have my favorite moments in the soccer game. There are times I just laugh out loud, because this age group playing soccer is funny like that. I am focused on the game, rooting the team on. Sometimes Christian wanders on to another field, I'm so focused. (Oh, I kid. That's never happened. More than twice.) 

Back to my favorite moments. Teaching them good sportsmanship is one of my favorite parts. At the end of each game, all the players from each team line up and then file past each other, slapping hands. So sporty. So cute.

 

Then all the parents form a tunnel, and the kids run through it while we cheer. The smiles on all the kids faces is priceless - happy regardless of whether or not they won. (I don't have a picture of that, though, because I was a part of the tunnel.) 

I find myself yelling things that I honestly never thought would come from my mouth. Things like "Good kick, Shawn!" or "That's what I call DEFENSE, Sullivan!" or "Get it! Get it! YESSSSS!"

You notice they are all boys names? Yes, funny thing. There is a huge difference between boys and girls at this age. Okay, okay, at all ages, but it's particularly funny at this age. Might not be so funny in later ages. This photo sums up those differences.

 

The first kick of the game. Players from both teams form a line, just in case anyone wants to get the ball once it's kicked. There's Ansley in the middle, and her team in yellow. Purple team gets ready to kick the ball. The boy in yellow, Matt? He's out there right away, before the ball is even kicked, ready, waiting for the ball. The rest of the line is made up of girls. The girl on the left, Abby? It's too cold for her so she's squatting to keep warm. The other three girls, they just look and chat and watch Matt take the ball all the way down the field. "Go, Matt!" they yell, while they chat about kittens and new boots and pink things.

This Saturday marks the last game of the season, with a pizza party to celebrate the season. I'm sure noone on the team could tell you how many games were won or lost, or who scored the goals. But in the end, it doesn't really matter. It's about building confidence, doing your best, learning sportsmanship, and being a part of a team.

Next year it will be about winning.

Comments

[MiMi]

That is such a good picture of Ansley all smiles and so cute in her soccer outfit!!! I'm glad it was a good experience for her and probably for the entire family! Christian looks so cute in his winter wear! He looks like a little snowman!! I think I recognize his hat. Do I need to make some more and, if so, what colors? I wish I knew how to make mittens. Maybe Grandma can teach me if she remembers.

[Angie]

Burrrr! That brings back so many wonderful memories!