Fall Soccer

In previous years Gavin has played soccer through the Community Recreation Centers in both Provo and Heber. This year we decided to try soccer through a recreation league ran by Olympia Soccer Club.  The season was slightly longer, games were more structured with actual referees, and they had a practice before each game to work on new skills.  Gavin's coach, Sam, was great. At first I was surprised to see a young kid as the coach; I later learned that these young coaches play on the competitive club teams and what a great opportunity for them to learn leadership skills.  Gavin and the rest of his team had a blast with Sam as their coach, who in many ways was more in tune with how a group of 6-9 year-olds think compared to an adult. Best example - after winning the championship game Sam rewarded them with a giant grass fight - I'm not sure I would have thought of that but the kids loved it!   

Gavin & Coach Sam

Go Olympia Warriors!!!

Liam was Gavin's number one fan...

Until he got bored or frustrated with not being allowed on the field and

headed for the park or found some dirt and friends to play with

Go Gavin! Go!

High fives and socializing with his team and his opponents alike at the end of the games (and often during the middle of games as well) was just as much fun for this social butterfly as actually playing soccer.

Learning proper throw in techniques

On the last day, Gavin's team won their semi final game and got to play in the finals. Before this second game there was a short ceremony introducing the two team's and all their player as well as the refs. Gavin's team won the finals and each player on his team was given a new soccer ball and a bag of candies at the rewards ceremony.  There were some pretty good kids on his team and Gavin improved a lot and even scored a goal or two during the season.