Playing Offense
Being a parent is a deeply humbling profession. I am constantly amazed by my children, and by their capacity for change. Every time I think I’ve got them figured out, they move on.
JediBoy has been taking soccer through the YMCA since the summer of 2006, when he turned 4. Between indoor soccer, summer soccer and fall, this is his 9th soccer team. He has always enjoyed it, but early on he seemed to realize that he wasn’t built for speed, he didn’t tend towards athletic aggression, and he had inherited klutzy genes from both sides of the family. He had fun despite all that but I noticed that he quickly voiced his preference for being in goal or at least on defense. He was good there, his reactions were quick, and he could help out his team even if he wasn’t fast on his feet. It was the kind of cautious decision we’ve come to expect from him.
This year, he has started begging his coaches to let him play offense. Not because his body has changed, or his skill has risen, but just because it’s more fun.
Look at their faces! That is pure fun, whether you’re making goals or not. All I can do is continue to cheer. How much joy in life comes from watching him grow!
January 18th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I bet he’ll overcome the klutzy genes! Ethan is surprising me and loosing some interest in sports (luckily not hockey though), hopefully he’ll want to do soccer with Jediboy this summer!
January 19th, 2009 at 11:07 am
See, that what I love about our boys. Their spirit sometimes inspires them to overrule the non-sporty genes, and they do it with such passion!