First Soccer Season is Over

We survive our first soccer season. I say "our" because it took a lot of commitment to show up to practice twice a week and have a game each Saturday. Eerika was a good sport about supporting Saku and she loved getting her share of the soccer snacks. 

Saku had some emotional games when he would be sad about the other team being better or his team mates scoring instead of him. He is still very aware if/when the other team is better, but he learned to control his emotions much better. If he got hurt, he would still cry, but he learned to appreciate his team mates' skills.

He also proved to be a great defender. He would protect his team's end well and use his power kicks to get the ball out of his area. In the last two games, he was very good about running fast to defend the goal if the other team was trying to score. He could out run most kids. While I am not going to lie and say that it isn't nice to see your kid excel, and even be better than his peers but we just really loved the personal growth and his new attitude of not giving up. 

When we started the season, we just wanted him to stay on the field and have fun and we maintained that attitude. We took a happy game over a scored goal anytime. 

In the last game, a team mate's brother called him an "iron wall" because he wouldn't let the ball get pass him. 

Coach Gina did a great job with the kids.  It was enough for me to just show up each time to practice, so I appreciate her enthusiasm and sacrifice to teach the kids the basics of soccer.  

Drake, Sienna, Christian, Leila, Diego, Saku and Ella with Coach Gina and some random kid

Last team huddle with their trophies.

As much as Troy does not like the whole "every kid gets a trophy", it was sweet to see Saku get his trophy at the end of the year party.

It is nice to have our Saturday mornings back and dinner is easier when you dont have a 5 pm practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, I think we will do it again next year. 

Saku and I spend quality time together in the back yard kicking a ball around. I find it relaxing and fun to chat while kicking the soccer ball back and forth.