5 Year-old Soccer

Ava played soccer this spring for our parish (St. Aloysius) on a pre-school team and Paul was her coach.  A few weeks into the season, we find out that they really weren't supposed to have a pre-school team.  Paul quickly realized why...5 year-olds have NO clue what they are doing!  Not only do they not have a clue, but many of them don't even understand what you are telling them to do!  Oh well, you live and learn.  And they sure did look cute out there though in their little blue jerseys and soccer socks.

Ava practicing before the game started

Team prayer before the game.  Starting off on the right foot!

All the parents kept commenting on how patient Paul was with the kids.  He really was so good with them.  He knew not to expect a lot from them, but just tried to get them to run in the right direction and keep the other team from scoring.  We played Kindergarten teams all season, so needless to say, we got creamed every time.  Actually, I don't think we ever made a goal.  That is why defense was our safest tactic ;)

Ava in ready position

See how many players they have blocking the goal?!  D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!

Ava actually making contact with the ball!  Go Ava!

Ava going head to head with the other team

Good defense, Girl!

The whole season we got really unlucky with the weather.  At least 4 of their practices were cancelled due to snow, freezing weather, or thunderstorms and two games were rescheduled due to flooded fields.  I wasn't complaining too much since they were only 5, but then we ended up having 3 games one weekend, with two games back to back.  Not exactly ideal.

Ava throwing the ball in

Ava playing with her hair

Ava had extra cheerleaders for her last weekend of soccer games.  Paul's parents came down to see her play the day of Rose's dance recital.  She seem to show off play better since she knew they were watching.

The little girls practicing their own soccer

Ava with Coach Daddy

I think Paul will coach soccer again, but probably not for five year-olds.  It was a good learning experience though and Ava had a blast, which is the most important thing!