Biz's First Soccer Practice

Tonight was Biz's first venture into the arena of organized sports with his first soccer practice. Finally, a sport that can keep up with a very active boy and one that demands that you DO NOT sit still for at least a half an hour or so.

The practice went really well! His coach did a GREAT job with eight energy-filled little guys and was very creative in teaching them. Since Biz hadn't really spoken much about playing soccer since we signed him up in the spring, I was beginning to have visions of him being on the field for about 15 minutes and then totally losing interest in the whole thing. Or of him getting a bit miffed and decking some poor little guy from not understanding that it was actually his soccer opponent's job to steal away the ball that he was so eagerly kicking. No running off the field from being bored. No angry looks or flying fists at the soccer buddy who kicked away his ball. No, none of that. Just a big bright smile on his face throughout the ENTIRE practice. His coach kept them on the move for over an hour, playing different games to make learning the basics of soccer pretty fun.

Not until we got in the van on the way to practice did he begin really expressing any excitement about playing. And boy, did he ever starting talking about it...non-stop. "Will it just be our team there today?" "What will our team name be?" "Why do we wear shin guards?" "Are they what you use when you break your leg?" (Let's hope not.) "Will I get to wear my shin guards at every practice" (He really became obsessed with those shin guards.) "Why do we practice and not just play?" "Will I get to hit the ball with my head?" "I can do that, you know."

However, I am not sure who was excited more about his practice...Biz or Sethie? Seth was thoroughly convinced that this soccer practice was for him, too. When Biz was putting on his cleats, little brother wanted to know where his pair was. He had to take his soccer ball along, as well. "I play soccer, too." He was a bit a disappointed that he wasn't going to get to run around on the field with the 'big boys." He did slip away a couple of times and make an appearance on the field. Luckily, he didn't get run over. He has pretty good reflexes for a little guy. He has had to in order to survive in this house!

The "action shots" I took were a little far away, because I was trying not to be that mom. I was the ONLY parent who brought my camera along to the first practice. I tried to discreetly take my little pictures from my blanket on the sidelines, but finally had to get up and move closer to snap a few shots. I did so quickly. I did refrain from bringing the video camera, though. However, I will not show the same restraint when his first game rolls around.

And of course after every good practice, one must have a good after-practice ride on the swings!


So, does this officially make me a soccer mom now? I do have the mini-van...the ultimate soccer mom accessory.

(And yes, the pancake tradition will go on, even with Monday night practices. I just made up the batter before practice and then we came home and chowed down.)

Biz wanted to show off his snazzy soccer cleats and of course, Seth had to show off his shoes, too.