The Reynolds Family: Soccer

We are now two games into Scotlen's inaugural soccer season, really her inaugural sports season of any kind. I was pretty nervous after plunking down the $98 in July and informing her that, per her wishes, she was officially signed up. Because she immediately declared that she didn't want to play soccer and most certainly WOULD NOT be playing soccer.

We had some discussions. Discussions about being nervous and afraid. Discussions about overcoming fear. Discussions about the concept of $98.

That all seemed to go in one ear and out the other. I think the turning point came when she got to pick out her own shoes and soccer ball. They had all colors, including lots of pinks and purples. But our girl, true to form, chose everything in red. Red shorts, red socks, red/black shoes, and red/white ball. I'm sure Kyle was disappointed in no pink, but he takes great pride in the fact that she is color coordinated. Praise God - their team uniforms turned out to be red too.

So we apprehensively showed up at the first practice. I estimated the chances of her crying in the middle of the field and refusing to play were about 50%, maybe 51%. But she listened to the coach and participated with respectful level of cheerfulness.

And now, two games in, she declares soccer to be her favorite activity. I would not call her a natural, exactly. She either doesn't understand what's going on or isn't willing enough to get knocked down to enter the center of the fray. But occasionally the ball will roll her way and she will give it a swift kick. And she gamely runs around "following the ball" as coach has instructed her to do. It's more like hot potato than soccer, really.

Our one moment of angst came a few minutes into the first half when she was rudely, and accidentally, knocked onto her rear by one of the other players. She bounced right back up, but after thinking about it for about 30 seconds, decided it was worthy of a good cry. Then there was crying and more crying. And a little more crying. Finally we unceremoniously dumped her on the other side of the field with the other bench-riders. And by the time the second half started, she was ready to go back in. I was never more proud, or more relieved, in my life.

The only other tenuous moment came when it was time to choose the team name. There are 6 players on the team. Each got to suggest a name and then the winner was drawn. Approximately five girls suggested "The Princesses." Approximately one girl suggested "The Red T-Rex's." The Princesses won. It did not go over well.