Awe...some Mondays

I have admit that Autumn is my favorite time of the year. There is a nip in the air, the leaves explode into a myriad of colors and sports photography opportunities abound. Our youngest (if you call fifteen youngest) granddaughter is playing soccer in a co-ed league. She is preparing to try out of the high school soccer team next spring.

Her first goal of the match came mid-way through the first half. She is 5'-8" and deceptively fast. When she gets those long legs into full stride, she is hard to defend. Oh yes, she's No. 6 in the light blue jersey.

 Her second and final goal of the contest came in the second half. Once again she has gotten by the defender and has a clear shot at the goal. It was a frustrating night for No. 3 in white.

I have always thought that soccer was the best game for young kids. At the ages of 6-8, all a child has to do is run and kick a ball and what healthy 6 year old can't do that. Other sports require more skills in order to be proficient and kids sometimes get frustrated when they are a little slow in developing those skills. While the skills necessary to be really good at soccer take time and practice to learn, running and kicking a ball is all that is required to get on the field.

 While I have major concerns with the "Travel Sports" programs, in which parents are trying to relive their dreams through their kids, I think that every child should try to play a team sport. Obviously, team sports teach teamwork, but the kids can also develop friendships that may last a lifetime.

 Kids learn to communicate and support one another. Something that is severely lacking in our society and something that social media will NEVER accomplish.

Of course there is the obvious benefits of exercise and just being outside. Get your kids out there and let them have a blessed childhood!

Wordless Wednesday

Game On!

Fall Soccer

I've said it before, soccer is a great sport for kids.  Early on, as long as a child enjoys being outside, running, and chasing a ball, they can enjoy soccer...and what kid doesn't enjoy being outside, running, and chasing a ball.  Fall soccer is great.  The weather is usually a little more stable that the spring season.  It may be chilly, but thunderstorms are not usually an issue.  However soccer does have it's ups and downs.

One minute you're free, open and can take a shot or pass to a team mate.

The next minute, you're challenging an opponent and attempting to steal the rock and head the other direction.

Then someone kicks you in the ankle and drops you like a rock.  The coach comes out to take a look.

You're escorted off of the field and...

You become the header photo on Papa's blog.  Don't ya just hate it when that happens?