Soccer

Dylan started soccer on Saturday. What a difference from last year! Last year he had a slow start and then by the end of the season he was participating, but still timid. This year he ran out onto the field with no hesitation. He was even yelling over to me from the field - normally he stayed silent. He took off running with the ball, dribbling with both feet (instead of his usual walking while kicking with one foot). He did everything the coach said and even kicked a goal. I think this year he has a lot more confidence. He likes being the experienced 5 year old instead of a newbie 4 year old. I think it'll be an exciting year for him.

I feel so bad for Cameron. He wants to do everything that his big brother does. He bawled the other morning because he wanted to get on the school bus and go to school. Then he was upset because he can't play soccer (you have to be 4). Sometimes it's hard to believe that he's only 2 (almost 3). I often think of him as the same age as Dylan. Especially now that he's spelling and starting to read a little and stuff - kindergarten stuff. I looked all over and no one has soccer for children under 3. The West Shore rec has soccer for 3 year olds but they are very strict with the child being 3 before the first day and he wont be 3 for another month yet. I saw that a place called Kidz Blast in York has an informal indoor soccer for 3-5 year olds and I figured they wouldn't be as strict with the age. I ended up taking the boys there tonight. I thought it would be cool since they could both play. Talk about chaos! They don't have teams here - which means there is no limit on the number of players. There were at least 40+ three to five year olds and only 3 coaches. It was a zoo! The kids were all just running around and the coaches couldn't even get their attention because there were so many of them and the kids didn't have name tags or anything so they couldn't even really direct the kids on where to go and what to do. Cameron said he had fun, but he didn't even have a ball half the time because balls were going all over the place and then the kids would scramble for them (I don't think there were enough balls). The kids didn't have a clue how to play or what to do. They tried to set up drills for them, but it was so packed that the kids were confused. Anyway, I'm not sure if we'll go back or not. Today was the first day and it was a free session to see if the kids like it, so maybe that's why it was so packed. Maybe everyone will see how much of a mess it was and not want to pay the money to participate again. I don't like that they don't have a limit on the number of kids. I think the parents should have to sign them up and then if they get filled then they shouldn't take any more. The kids wont learn anything if it continues like this.