Thursday, June 16, 2011

Soccer and First love?

This summer, we decided to enroll all three kids in a new soccer league. We decided to try a different league since the league the kids were in last year was unorganized. So far, we haven't been impressed with our choice. Neither are many other parents who decided to try this league for the very same reason. The only plus is that all three kids have games on the same night, which eliminates having to venture out two or three nights in a row.
Aside from the extreme disorganization of the league, the lack of communication from the league to the parents and coaches, the lack of responses from the league regarding any complaints, what has me really peeved is the league decision to use referees in the games. In games for three year olds. Yep. And the league insistence on practising certain drills, when kids at 3, 4, 5, even 6 just want to kick the ball and chase the ball around the field. the children are too young to grasp any concept of rules or positions on the field. It should be having fun, and getting the kids moving on the field. And at three years of age, let's just get the kids comfortable with following some simple instructions, like "put your foot on the ball", or "run and kick the ball". 
 Mostly, the three year olds are only interested in holding onto or kicking their balls - the ones that have their names on them, and finding out what the week's snack is. There's not too much interest in taking part in the stretching circle or waiting for the ref to blow the whistle. It's a bit frustrating for the parents who are told to stay off the fields when they could running alongside their toddlers shouting encouragements and directions.
(And that's just my complaints on the three year old's games! Never mind what I have to say about the older kids.)
Anyways, it's for the kids. The important thing is that they're taking part in a physical activity that's also an organized sport. They're being introduced to the concept of team sports and working together. Although, the five year olds and six year olds should get more drills on passing to their teammates, if you know what I mean.
Last night, I was on the sidelines, shouting to Aisling to run after the ball. "Chase the ball! Look for the ball! Go get it!" I yelled. Meanwhile, she stood there, her hair in braided pigtails, clad in a too big blue soccer jersey, shorts that went over knees, and black socks that went past her knees and pink running shoes (no cleats small enough for her feet), smiling and waving at me, and advising her teammates that the silly woman yelling on the sidelines was her mommy. All of a sudden, a little blond boy from the other team spied Aisling. There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he strode towards her purposefully. Without a warning, he got up close to Aisling, grabbed her face and dove in for a kiss! Aisling gave him a disgusted look, pushed him away and started to run off. Not towards the ball. The little blond boy took off after her. Whenever they were on the field together, Aisling was busy keeping her distance away from him, and not chasing after the ball.

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