This past Saturday was nuts because the schedule looked like this: 7:45 picture taking, 8:30 game at one field, 10:30 game at another field. Normally this wouldnʻt be quite so bad, however, on this particular Saturday my husband had class and wouldnʻt be able to help and my parents had a luncheon and would also be MIA. Thus, I was truly solo and on my own.
Although I prayed for a thunderstorm, hail, and even snow, we woke up Saturday morning to a glorious day. Got the kids up and ready and headed to the field for soccer pictures. Picture-taking went without a hitch and we got the girls ready for our first game. I wasnʻt sure what to expect since we only had 3 practices and had little time to do any game simulation or strategizing. For U6 the coach has to referee and coach at the same time. We play 4 10 minute quarters so that means 60 minutes on the field running while coaching commentary, directing, and some times physically assisting the girls, lending hugs to the cryers, and dealing with all kinds of unexpected insanity (like getting yelled at by assesnine parents). To my surprise, there was nothing to be worried about. The girls did great and by the end of first quarter we were leading 6-1 and all but one player had scored a goal. AYSO, however, frowns upon beating teams to a pulp so we had to tell the girls not to score, pull out our stronger players, and hang back. Itʻs ridiculous to take 6 year old girls out of their game. I am not saying that I am for beating a team to a pulp, however, there needs to be something done about this, especially when girls that have never played soccer before in their lives are scoring goals. Anyhow, we did our part to assist in the positive self-image of the team and the game ended in a tie at 6-6. With game one down I packed up the kids in the van, drove to Burger King for some snacks and headed to field number 2.
Game number 2 was my sonʻs third soccer game. Prior to this week I was able to avoid coaching duties since he was shy for game 1 and sick for game 2. However, after coaching my daughterʻs game I felt guilted into stepping up and coaching my son. So there I was at the field, ready to go. I set up my daughter on the side of the field with snacks, drinks, and my phone. Luckily she had some friends with her who had their Ipad. I was pretty confident that she would be able to stay the course of the "game."
U5 started and our group began at the skills station. Noah and I went through the different skills and worked on our ball touch and balance. For a 4 year old he was doing well. It was hot as hell and to be honest I was ready to throw in the towel. After 10 minutes of drills it was time to switch to the "scrimmage." To my utter dismay (horror) I was the only "coach" in this station so I was forced to referee/coach the "game." Have you ever watched little boys that are 4-5 years old play soccer? Aye caramba!!! Needless to say, it was the longest hour of my life. BUT, happily Noah did well, enjoyed playing, and there was no drama on the field.
When the whistle blew signaling the game was over I sighed in relief. It took a miracle and somehow I had survived back to back soccer games in the blazing heat with 2 kids. Hallelujah!!!
I packed up the kids and we headed home. With so much success I was feeling brave. I skipped the normal Mc Donalds drive through lunch and brought the kids home and made them peanut butter sandwiches and grilled cheese. I turned on the tv and let them watch as much cartoons as they wanted while I recovered on the couch.
Itʻs official, I am a van-driving soccer mommy...and it feels pretty good!!!
That sounds like a hectic day! Great job!
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