Soccer Wrap Up

Charlie said, "Hans owned it today."  Charlie may be a bit biased, but he's not the only one to say that.

A parent I have never met and didn't recognize from the field stopped me one day on the street and asked if I was Hans' mom, and then gushed over what a great soccer player he is.  I didn't know what to say.  But, I have noticed as well, that he is indeed good and seems to have a passion for soccer.

He definitely is in charge on the field, and knows what's going on.  He's on a mission to get the ball and score.  And he's proud.  After a goal he charges back down the field celebrating.

And Freddie has improved quite a bit this season.  His coach (same coach as Hans) is pretty serious and definitely bumped up the expectation this season.  Freddie has learned a lot of technique, both offensive and defensive technique.

He works hard and has fun, but he's not aggressive or in it to win it.

I didn't stay much beyond his warm up today, because I was freezing!  Thankfully the soccer season is wrapping up.  I don't think I'd be able to lsat on the sidelines into December.

We're skipping the indoor season in favor of slow Sunday mornings and more time for ice skating, and hopefully some skiing!

Some Soccer Shots

Moving in to score on coach...

Goal!

And he even does a little dance.

Freddie is harder to get a photo of with my phone.  He's on the move.  Can you spot him in the center of these photos?

He is getting a wee bit more aggressive in soccer, pushing into the pack.

Final Kick

Hans' group ends each practice with "the final kick." All of the kids like this part of practice, being cheered for and cheering for their friends.

Soccer!

Hans' hair!  He has since had a cut...sniff.

Fall soccer is underway.  The boys are playing again on Sunday mornings.  They participated in the program in the Spring and both really wanted to do it this fall, although I would have preferred to not have anything to do on Sunday.  Soccer started as "Hans' activity" but now he's able to do swimming (and soon gymnastics again) so it doesn't seem as "necessary" in the activities line up.  But. both boys enjoy it and get a good workout.  

Hans in the middle in a hat

The program is small and structured and works more on skill development.  It is not a competitive league, but the kids do have short "scrimmages" during the second half of each session.

Freddie in the middle in a hat

There is also a neighborhood league which is on Saturday mornings.  It's free, and has about 75 five and six year olds kids enrolled, only one organizer, and a few reluctant volunteers so I'm sure you get an idea of what that field looks like by 10am.  Freddie was totally pumped about his uniform and seeing everyone from school, so we headed out to the field to join the crew.  I think Freddie had fun, and wants to go "for a little while" next Saturday but I think that's mostly because he doesn't want to be out of the loop with the gang from school.  We may let this one slide off our schedule.

Our routine is quickly coming together and our days and evenings are pretty busy.  Birthday party invitations are rolling in, gymnastics gets added to the mix this week, and school events will be gearing up as well.  I am still not sure how this has become my life, but right now it's fun (and tiring)!

Soccer Wrap Up

The spring soccer session wrapped up this weekend. The boys will skip the summer since we'll be away for a big chunk of it, but they both want to get back to it in the fall. Fingers crossed for a WARM fall season!

Can you see Freddie in the center?  

Both of the boys learned about the game, specifically not to use your hands! I'm proud of Hans for taking on an activity in tandem with Freddie, but still all on his own.  He's grown quite a bit over the past few months becoming more confident and independent, and not just at soccer.

Soccer has brought out perseverance in Freddie.  He keeps at it even if he's not first or the best, and he genuinely enjoys it.  I have loved hearing him compliment others on the field.  He's quite the sportsman.  He's excited to score a goal or get a block, but that's just a small source of his enjoying the game.  He really likes being part of a team, and the fast pace of soccer keeps him engaged.

So proud of these guys and have loved watching them grow.

A little soccer...

Soccer continues to be a great experience for both boys, especially in this glorious spring weather.

Freddie sticks with the drills even when he's not the best or the fastest, and best of all he does it with a smile.  I hope that's a theme in his life.

Hans on the right listening to instructions

Hans is finally singing along with the songs the coach sings to help the kids remember not to use hands.  Just like in gymnastics it has taken him a few times to totally get on board with everything, and he maintains a look of skepticism listening to a grown man singing with a bunch of kids.  I get it, Hans, I get it.

We're proud of these boys.  Can ya tell?

Soccer

For Hans, soccer went over much better this week than last.  Although he is the youngest, he did very well.

He followed instructions and kept up with the other kids.

He also didn't have any issues separating from Freddie this week.  Whew.

He listened and followed instructions closely, and managed to keep his hands off the ball!

This soccer teaches the basics of the game and works on soccer skills, rather than actually playing a game against another team.

It's a good introduction to soccer for him, as well as an introduction into being his own person without Freddie.  He's finding success on all fronts.

Meanwhile on the other end of the field, Freddie was enjoying his time with the group.

The calastetics and warm up are entertaining.  His jumping jacks are improving.

Freddie was all over the field working the drills.

But he still had time to throw me kisses, wave, and flash his smile.

Out of focus but so sweet.

 I did overhear him say he prefers soccer over baseball because "it's easier."  He certainly runs harder.  Perhaps the fast pace keeps him engaged a little more.

I love watching him play.  His enthusiasm makes me smile.