Kinder Kickers

Kamdyn started soccer yesterday morning.  All of us were really excited about this athletic adventure.  We purchased cleats, shin guards, and soccer shorts last weekend in preparation for her big soccer debut.  We have been practicing soccer skills with Kamdyn for a few years, but we weren't sure how she would do with all of those other kids running around her and crowding her space.  And heaven forbid if someone actually bumped into her and hurt her or knocked her down.  Surprisingly, she did GREAT!!

As our luck would have it, Kamdyn is on the orange team and her team is called "The Clash!"  We were happy with orange because pink wasn't even a choice.  Orange was definitely the next best color!  BUT, we do have pink on our cleats and pink on our shin guards!  :)  She and her Daddy talked me out of a bow for this week, but you can rest assured that you will see a soccer bow in her hair soon!

When we arrived all of the jerseys were laid out on the team bench.  Kamdyn and I had a conversation prior to arriving about my number when I played basketball.  I told her that I was number 13, but she could be whatever number she chose.  Kamdyn immediately walked to the #13 jersey and said, "I want this number like my Mommy!"  So sweet!

Not only did she do GREAT, but she scored her very first goal in her very first game!  Can you guess how proud her Mama and Daddy were?  Her team won 6-2.  She was the ONLY girl who scored on both teams.  Each team had about 15 players and about half of them were girls.  I was so excited that I missed it on camera and on video. (see next post with soccer videos)  :(  She dribbled the ball all the way from mid-field with the other children trailing behind her and beside her and kicked it right into the goal!

Richard was awesome, too!  The lady who volunteered to be the coach was a little unsure of what to do.  Richard stepped in and helped her out.  He guided a few soccer drills while the coach ran around taking  care of other things.  He also stood down at the goal with the two goalies so that he could guide them.  I was very proud that he agreed to help!  He always claims that he is not good with children, except his own, but he proved that to be very untrue today! 

Pregnant Mama wanted to get out there and run around and help, but was directed to sit down by Coach Daddy!  The teacher in me wants to take over and get all of those 4-year-olds organized.  I sat with the players on the bench who were waiting their turn and I gave them a pep talk.  I also reminded them which way to go and what to do! 

The little girl sitting beside Kamdyn was having a hard time leaving her Mom's side.  She was crying hysterically.  I convinced Kamdyn to get her hand and walk her over to where everyone else was.  The little girl immediately stopped crying and went with Kamdyn.  Her Mom thanked me numerous times for encouraging Kamdyn to help her daughter.  My Kamdyn is such a sweetie!

The little boy in the back turned out to be the soccer star on our team.  He scored 4 of our 6 goals.  We could not get over how fast he was!  Needless to say, it only took us a second to figure out that he didn't need to be playing goalie!