Luke's First Soccer Game

I'm not really a huge advocate for organized sports for preschoolers. I think their time is better spent playing and exploring on their own, not filled with tons of "structured" activities. But the U4 team in our town is one hour a week on Saturday from 9am-10am every week. The first half hour is a warm up and "clinic" and the second half hour is a "game". The perfect amount of time to keep their interest. Enough time to learn and follow the rules of a game, have fun, play with friends, get exercise and learn about team work and sportsmanship.

Luke decided about 2 months ago that he wanted to play, so I signed him up—something I wasn't too sure about, but he insisted. He was very excited about his shin guards, new soccer ball and playing with his friends. He is part of the "red shirt team". Coach Mike is so great with the kids—I applaud his patience and ability to relate the game to them.

Luke had a really great time, although there were a couple of times where I had to coax him back on the field. Unfortunately, the soccer fields are right near a playground, so that's all Luke wanted to do. I promised that after soccer, we would go over there to play. He made it through the hour of soccer and off to the playground we went.

I found my crappy camera and was able to snap a few shots. I'm almost a little depressed that I found it, I really wanted a new one—a fancier one. While this one still works, it is over 6 years old and a want a sleeker model that will take better photos.

He's Luke standing by the net before the game.