Pee-Wee Soccer Star

Today was Kelly's first day playing Pee-Wee Soccer! She was excited to go, although not really sure knowing what it was all about. Leading up to the day, Gary & I kicked her soccer ball around with her and asked her if she was excited to play. She kept telling us that she wanted to be #2. I have no idea where she got that from, but I knew what my first test as a S.M.I.T. (Soccer Mom In Training) would be -- to make sure I got to the coach ahead of time to commandeer the #2 jersey for my little soccer princess! Well, I passed the first test!

On our way to the game, and her oggling her new shin guards.

She reluctantly lined up with the others for "drills".

Coach Brian was really patient and encouraged her every step down to the goal.

She shoots! She SCORES!

She was very excited and couldn't wait to come over to the sideline to celebrate with me.

But after this shot, I think she may have logged a total of another 5 minutes or so on the field before she stripped off her 5-sizes too big soccer socks and 2-sizes too big blue (dissappointly, to Kelly, not pink) jersey that mom had fought another S.M.I.T. off for, and watched her teammates scrimmage. She ventured in a couple more times (when she wasn't supposed to), but the coaches were really great and let her wander at one end of the field while they were doing their business at the other end. About half the team was into it (the 4-yr-olds likely!), but the other half was pulling the same 3-yr-old, first-timer antics as Kelly, so she was in good company.

A couple other S.M.s around me that I was giggling with as we watched the scene of kids laying in the grass, picking up the cones, etc, assured me this was normal and that she would likely come around. Even the asst Coach Troy told me his son stood on the field chewing his jersey the whole first year.

She perked up again when, after the game was over, they cheered "GO KOALAS" and handed out the snack. And as we walked down to the adjacent park, she was quiet for a while munching on goldfish and sipping her juice box. But then looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I had fun playing soccer today!" and ran of to the swings. This S.M.I.T. can't wait for next week!