Soccer Season is Upon Us

Yay!!!

 

The boys' fall soccer season started a couple of weeks ago, and it is great to be on the fields again!

 

 

 

 

 

Seth is so excited that his uniforms are blue this year, so that certainly made it great start to the season.  He started with a brand new team this season, so it has been fun for him to play with a new crew of boys, most of which are at his school.  His coach just so happens to be an avid UK fan, so Seth was overjoyed by that and the fact that his team is called the Wildcats!  Good coach! I am not sure what Caleb's team has named itself yet, but whatever it is, he is glad to be back in soccer action...in red this time. (We will say it is WKU red and not U of L red.)  Caleb is back with some of his teammates from last season, so it is fun to see them playing together again, especially since they played so well as a team last year.  

 

 

 

 

It is always interesting to see the differences in how each age group plays.  For the first few seasons, soccer is like a individual team sport.  Mainly because the little guys haven't quite gotten the concept of playing positions or passing the ball.  It is more like, "every man for himself" and "I, alone, have to get that ball in the goal."  It is a lot of fun to watch, as they learn the game and begin understanding that the other dude in the same uniform is really on your side.  However, intentionally passing to anybody rarely happens at this age.  Also, the younger guys play in a cluster; wherever the ball goes, the whole flock goes.  No one spreads out into any sort of formation.  It is really cute and in contrast to how Caleb's age group plays, where they are learning positions and the value of having a teammate to pass the ball.  It is fun to see them make strategic moves and set their buddies up for a good shot.  Those cluster years allowed them to get to this point, though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Caleb and his buddy, Jacob, played together all of last year and have been on the same field for both games this season.  They really communicate effectively and play well off of one another.  Where one is weak, the other makes up for it with his strength.  Caleb is FAST.  He is like lightening on the field and he is great at dribbling and controlling the ball down the field.   Jacob is a POWER kicker.  Wow!  He is precise, powerful, and spot on with his shots.   They are a great compliment to one another and have been a force to reckon with so far this season.  Caleb's strength has certainly been his ability to break away from the pack and speed down the field to score.  After his first game, his coach deemed him "Team Captain" for the game as a reward for his effort and good play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seth's team is doing really well, too.  For a bunch of five-year-olds, they are very focused, which is interesting to see in a team this young.  Seth has been fast on the field and his footwork is really coming along.  What has impressed me most about him so far this season is his ability to defend.  He has had several blocked shots right at the goal.  He is good at anticipating where the opponent is going and cutting him off.  He is doing well offensively, too.  He scored three goals in his last game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, yay, for soccer season!  May they learn this season more about teamwork, show good sportsmanship, give God the glory for their talents, improve their skills, and have a lot of fun!

 

Go Wildcats!!!  And Red Team!!!