Save the Shins

Ella is enrolled in her first “organized” sport at the YMCA – Soccer. Specifically, Soccer for 3-5 year olds. Each “practice” has built upon their previously “learned” “skills”. As you see, I’m using these terms quite loosely. We actually missed the first practice but I’m going to assume they were introduced the ball, and that’s it. They’ve slowly worked up to kicking, trapping, kicking in an actual direction, then cone, then goal, then person. But this week, they graduated up to a scrimmage of sorts. They were divided into teams, put little jerseys on, the ball was released and they all just ran around in three minute increments. It was very exciting! The hour flew by! It was a leap from the first practice Ella attended where she cried most of the hour and Loran and I had to take turns playing next to her.

Ella’s not quite sure of the hands-off rule. She likes to carry the ball close to her target, place it on the ground and then kick it. It’s more efficient that way.

The scrimmage was fun. The ball was an inconsequential part of the game. The children just moved in a herd, with maybe one or two children actually understanding that they were supposed to be following/manipulating the ball and the rest were just following the action. Ella liked being in the back of the pack. She picked a girl who she knows and then followed her (luckily they were on the same team). When the pack switched directions and moved toward Ella, she just stopped, let them pass and then brought up the rear.

Ella’s in a red shirt, black pants. Right side of the herd in the beginning.

One goal was scored. The coach accidentally scored it when she put the ball back into action. She gently rolled it across the floor and the herd couldn’t quite organize enough to catch it before it slowly rolled into the goal. Everyone cheered and clapped. It was really funny and the children loved that the ball went in the goal, didn’t matter which one or how it happened!

After practice, Ella was beaming! She loved “playing” soccer, loved being on the team, loved running around with a quasi-purpose. One more week of soccer left, I’m sure their game will be amazing…or…well…it will be fun.