Soccer - Season 2

Soccer season is upon us again. This year we decided to go a different route. We thought Zach would do better with peers his own age, rather than a big group of kids all the way up to their late teens. We got him all signed up earlier in the summer. We asked the league if they would let him play in the U5 league. He was only about a month too old but they refused. They said he could only play in U6. No biggie. We went ahead with it. Zach was very excited to start playing again.

We went out to the first practice last week. Zach was excited and ran up to the group of kids. He turned and said "Hi, I Zach!". No one responded. I think they were all concentrating, but still. Zach did well for about 10 minutes, then lost interest. He participated somewhat for the practice but not too much. He didn't quite get the drills they were doing. The majority of the kids on the team played last year so they all kind of knew the ropes, so to speak. After practice there was a kick off party for the season where we picked up jerseys. We pulled the coach aside and told him that we didn't think it was a good fit and maybe Zach wasn't ready. He encouraged us to stick with it and that Zach not listening and his minimum participation didn't bother him. That made me happy. We got his jersey. That weekend was the first game. He did great the first quarter. Just kind of chased the group. I felt really good about it and thought maybe he would fit in. He would be happy just chasing everyone around. He sat out the 2nd (there was a sub). He loved snack time. The 2nd half he wanted nothing to with it anymore. He refused to participate and kept taking off. Chris and I left very frustrated. Not because he didn't play, but because he was so defiant when we tried to encourage him. After thinking about it a lot that day and shedding a few tears, I was convinced that he should finish the season and lots of kids act that way in that age group. I did not want to be a quitter and be the parent of the "special" kid that pulled him out as soon as it didn't work. Zach said he did not want to play soccer anymore.

Practice this week was good for about 10 minutes. He followed the drills well. Then he just refused to do anything again and kept taking off running so one of the coaches was constantly chasing him. It was really frustrating and embarrassing. No other child was doing this and I felt very judged by the other parents. I am sure it was all in my head, but it just didn't feel right. I felt like we were forcing Zach into something he didn't want. The experience wasn't positive and just had me and Chris in a funk the whole evening. I think it also hurt me to hear one of the kids asking their parents "why does that kid keep doing that?". I decided that this is not a good fit. This is not how it should be. It should not be forced. It should not be something that causes us to be frustrated and short tempered for the rest of the evening. I emailed his coach from last season and asked if she would have us back. We got a very excited email back saying to please come back. They have gotten more young kids this year and they are able to split them up into a younger group and older group.

Today we went to practice. It was so refreshing. One of the new players was a boy from Zach's preschool class that Zach just adores. Zach did so much better. And when he didn't want to participate, it was ok. The other kids didn't care. The parents didn't care. Zach got hugs from other players. Several hugs. He never got so much as a "Hi" from a player on the other team. It just felt right. I still feel slightly... guilty is not the right word... but in the back of my mind I feel like we bailed when it didn't go right. But it just didn't seem worth the frustration we were feeling every time we dealt with it. The first game with his old team is tomorrow. I will be sure to update and post pictures.

Cutest Player Of The Year

Yesterday we had the end of year party and awards for Zach's soccer team. Zach got "cutest player of the year" award.

Of course he did!

Here is a picture of Zach receiving his award:


Here he is running back to his seat:


After Zach's award, he watched patiently while his teammates got their awards. Clapping and cheering them on. One of the older players was standing near him after he got his award and Zach walked up to him and put his hand out to shake his hand and said "Good Job!".

That kid melts my heart

First Soccer Practice!

Zach had his first soccer practice on Friday. It was pretty low key and was more signing up and getting things going, then actual practice. We found a really cool special needs soccer league. It was so cute to see Zach all dressed and kicking the ball around. Of course dad was right by his side showing him the ropes.



Here Dad, this is where you kick it: