My First Season Dealing With Youth Soccer As a Parent

He came home that day with a big smile on his face, and the wrinkled soccer sign-up flyer in tow. Little did I know what he was about to show me would change our daily routine for the next two months.

"Mom, please! I really want to play!'' He said so enthusiastically! Who was I to say no to an 8 year old asking a question that way?

"You have never played any sports! You do know that there is going to be lots of hard work ahead of you? There will be no quitting until the season is over." I replied cautiously. However, all I got in return was a big head nod for a yes, and a half toothless smile that melted my heart.

So, that next Saturday morning found us with all the other children and parents at the U-8 soccer sign-up booth, paying fees and learning what team we would be cheering for. My son's excitement about it all, I must admit, made me just as anxious to get the season started.

Did the season get started so quickly, too? Time sure did fly by! There were major struggles at the very beginning, as one would expect with any child just entering a sports routine. With practice only twice a week, and the first game only 2 weeks after the first team practice, there was little time for struggle. We had to get through learning all the basics of soccer, and then a little bit of physical strength training (i.e. running). There was that practice when the running was just a little too much and we had to leave early because of a belly ache! There was also that practice where coach got a little frustrated with my son for not being able to "dribble" the ball just as well as he had in the last practice. The "pressure" really became a lot for me as well as my son, and he really began to doubt this position he had so enthusiastically put himself into. Quitting the team became a popular topic to discuss at the dinner table.

However, gentle reminders of what he had wanted that day he brought me that flyer home helped to ease the urge for him to just quit it all. There were several late nights of dad and son in the backyard working on "soccer skills" that helped him perform better in practice and in games. There were cancelled appointments and plans to be able to fit all of the soccer requirements in our schedule. This all came down to that one moment that made it all worth our while. I was able to stand on the sideline and cheer my little boy on when he scored his first goal in a game that brought victory for the team. The sacrifice had been so worthwhile, indeed. When I ask him, "Son, are you ready for next season?" I get a big head nod for a yes, and a half toothless smile that melts my heart.

So, when your child comes home asking asking "Please!"! Don't pass judgment by replying with a sudden no. Think about how it could just maybe be all worth your time!