Jacob began practicing for his first team sport in mid-August. He plays on the "Tigers" - a West Sacramento recreational league - that has about 16 teams his age (under 6 age). Our first game was on September 12th. This had been an adventure for all of us. He has really progressed from his first practice. His first few practices - he had more "unauthorized" water and potty breaks (about 6) plus the few that the coach gave them - which for a 45 minute soccer practice - amounted to very little soccer practicing! But - he now does well with usually only breaking when he is told to go get some water.
Here he is at his first practice - all hot and taking a water break - not sure if this was a team break - or Jacob only :)
The first game - Jacob kept yelling as he ran all crazily along the field. When we asked him what he was doing - he said he was yelling to scare the other kids so that he could get the ball. We quickly broke him of that method!
Here is Levi - taking his own water break! The water bottle was a big hit for several practices - something to play with. He also has his cool Spongebob hat on. Levi has done well at the practices and games - he usually entertains himself pretty well. But - it is hard to keep track of him - and Jacob at times. Not sure how anyone does it with more than 2!
We have been a bit frustrated at times - because Jacob is VERY unfocused at games. I guess we need to just laugh and not worry about it. He seemed to do better at his last game - actually participating quite a few times (as opposed to the previous few - where he walked along the lines of the field - let the ball come rest next to him and continued to stare and crouch down and play with his shoelace - complain about his legs being tired - fight with his brother over who got to sit in the stroller - etc - etc - etc). He is only 4 1/2 - we have to keep reminding ourselves of that. We really just want him to enjoy it - have fun - and try. We will see if this sport stuff is really his thing. Below he is kicking the ball to start play after a goal was made.
Again - looking at the ball and being a part of the "team."
Running with the pack toward the ball.
I can't believe I got this pic - totally by accident. I am proud of Jacob - he was running with his team - and got tripped up when another player kicked the ball. He landed on his face and legs - but got up - thought about crying and coming out - but kept on playing. He also got hit by the ball in the cheek during the game too. He just kept playing. He is improving. We do need to relax - and continue to encourage him to have a fun time and keep trying. That is what it is all about.
It makes us feel a little more at ease - when we see other kids doing cartwheels during the game - or being totally distracted too. I know this is just the age. We truly don't care that Jacob probably won't be the next Pele - but want to instill in him how to be part of a team, to mind and obey his coach, and just to have fun. He has progressed over the last two months. Sometimes I think these experiences are more for us to learn - than him. We need to continue to reassess our motives and drives during these times too - why are we so frustrated when he isn't paying attention - are we really looking to his well being - or is our pride getting in the way. It is definitely different being a parent of a player - rather than playing myself. I guess there is a lot for me to learn too. Go Tigers!
Here he is at his first practice - all hot and taking a water break - not sure if this was a team break - or Jacob only :)
The first game - Jacob kept yelling as he ran all crazily along the field. When we asked him what he was doing - he said he was yelling to scare the other kids so that he could get the ball. We quickly broke him of that method!
Here is Levi - taking his own water break! The water bottle was a big hit for several practices - something to play with. He also has his cool Spongebob hat on. Levi has done well at the practices and games - he usually entertains himself pretty well. But - it is hard to keep track of him - and Jacob at times. Not sure how anyone does it with more than 2!
We have been a bit frustrated at times - because Jacob is VERY unfocused at games. I guess we need to just laugh and not worry about it. He seemed to do better at his last game - actually participating quite a few times (as opposed to the previous few - where he walked along the lines of the field - let the ball come rest next to him and continued to stare and crouch down and play with his shoelace - complain about his legs being tired - fight with his brother over who got to sit in the stroller - etc - etc - etc). He is only 4 1/2 - we have to keep reminding ourselves of that. We really just want him to enjoy it - have fun - and try. We will see if this sport stuff is really his thing. Below he is kicking the ball to start play after a goal was made.
Again - looking at the ball and being a part of the "team."
Running with the pack toward the ball.
I can't believe I got this pic - totally by accident. I am proud of Jacob - he was running with his team - and got tripped up when another player kicked the ball. He landed on his face and legs - but got up - thought about crying and coming out - but kept on playing. He also got hit by the ball in the cheek during the game too. He just kept playing. He is improving. We do need to relax - and continue to encourage him to have a fun time and keep trying. That is what it is all about. 
It makes us feel a little more at ease - when we see other kids doing cartwheels during the game - or being totally distracted too. I know this is just the age. We truly don't care that Jacob probably won't be the next Pele - but want to instill in him how to be part of a team, to mind and obey his coach, and just to have fun. He has progressed over the last two months. Sometimes I think these experiences are more for us to learn - than him. We need to continue to reassess our motives and drives during these times too - why are we so frustrated when he isn't paying attention - are we really looking to his well being - or is our pride getting in the way. It is definitely different being a parent of a player - rather than playing myself. I guess there is a lot for me to learn too. Go Tigers!
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