Soccer Star!

I'm so glad we decided to have Gavin do soccer again this year!  It's only for a month, with only eight games, but Gavin has loved it!  It's always entertaining to watch the games, and it's crazy how much each of the kids have actually improved over the past few weeks.  I'm sad that Gavin's last two games are this week.

Practice shots before a game

Pep talk with Coach Lisa

GO UNION!!!

Gavin was equally excited to meet all his new soccer friends as he was to be playing soccer.  Isaac and Gavin hit it off from the first minute and were giving each other high fives and hugs before the first practice even started!  At the end of each game, after shaking hands with the other team, Gavin and Isaac always take off for the playground together.  Gavin was also thrilled to find out his friend Lizzy from Sunbeams was on his soccer team!  

Gavin & Isaac cheering on their team

Lizzy and Gavin "guarding their home"

Each game day involves a 20 minute pre-game practice, then the actual games are two 12 minute halves with a five minute break between.  It's a very volunteer based sports program, so instead of having an actual ref for this age group, the two coaches are out on the field with their teams coaching/reffing at the same time.  I think it works out really well when their this little to have their coach right there reminding them which way they're supposed to be shooting, and encouraging them on.  There are eight kids on a team, and they play 4 on 4 with no goalie.

During one game Gavin realized that one of the boys on the other team was his friend Liam from preschool!  After congratulating the other team after the game, it was too cute to see these two boys give each other a big hug and be excited to see their friend from school somewhere other than at school!  I wish I had gotten a photo!

Gavin is definitely a very defense oriented player!  Lisa has worked alot with the kids to try and teach them not to ALL run after the ball at the same time, but that they have to work to "guard their home" as well.  When ever the other team would get the ball Gavin's immediate reaction was to turn and run back towards their goal to protect it.  The last few games he's gotten more aggressive as we've explained he doesn't have to just kick the ball away from his net, but that he can run up with it and help his teammates score.  Two games ago he assisted one of Isaac's goals, and last game he scored his first goal!!!  It was a proud moment for this Mommy and Daddy!