Girls soccer is big in the USA - continued

F had today her second soccer practice. Last week, she was left crying on the sideline when all the other kids went dribbling with their ball. She was shy and scared and quite lost.

As responsible parents, we took some action last week. We practiced with her. She teamed up with daddy P against mommy and little sister A. Of course P took it quite serious teaching her passing and how she should anticipate to the ball. I kept to the simple basics like 'there is a ball and a goal and you try to get the ball in the goal - between the two paint cans we put on the ground - and you do this by kicking the ball with your feet, thus no hands.'

So this morning, our hopes and expectations were high. She was going to play soccer like the other kids. This time she went and stood on the side line as the other kids. She dribbled and did all the other exercises. She joined the team play. She ran with the other kids. The only downside to this was that she didn't touch the ball once. She looked like in deep thoughts, or day dreaming. But at the end of the practice she said she liked it. She had red cheeks from running and she was proud of herself - of course we too! Looks like we will have more family soccer practices in the coming days, which I have to say is quite fun.

By the way, we have another rising star. A is left handed and left footed and she is gooood with the ball!