A New Soccer Era

Olivia has joined her first athletic team, U-6 soccer. While her big sister has been playing for the last decade and just began her high school soccer career, Olivia played her first official soccer game on Friday night. She had a great time.




It was very exciting to get her team shirt, shin guards and socks. She is on the "Blue Crew" team with 5 boys and just one other girl on her team. One boy was missing this first night. She makes friends so easily though with boys and girls. A couple of her teammates attend Bethany school also so she already knew them.



I was a little hesitant at first to spend the money to sign her up at this young age, thinking she might be a little timid and not want to participate especially when she would get pushed out of the way by a 5 year old boy. But, she surprised me again and was right in their with the rest of the kids.




She kept telling me on the way there that she wanted to be goalie but at this level there are no goalies. It will take some time for her to figure out what she is supposed to do but she still did really well. She also has a pretty good leg when it comes to kicking the ball. I got to see her kick it in bounds to her teammates.

At this level there is no winning or losing team. Everyone that plays wins because they don't keep score (although our blue team won!!). She was so cute high-fiving her friends when they would make a goal. A couple of times she would stop to wave at me and yell "Hi Mom!!" or "Mom, watch this!!" Other than maybe baby animals there isn't much more that is cuter than a herd of 4 and 5 year olds running their hearts out after a soccer ball.




When the game was over they all had to pass by in a line and slap hands, just like the big kids. And of course, the best part is that you even get a drink and a snack at the end of the game!! She was so excited about the whole night and had a great time.



Even big sister Jenny got to see some of the game because it was picture night for all teams. Olivia made sure Jenny got an earfull and heard all about her team and game.

Besides being great exercise, being on the soccer team is a great way for her to socialize, learn teamwork, meet new friends and just have a lot of fun.