fall soccer 2013...

Our school principal, Jack, also happens to be the dad of a boy in Grace's class.  We received an email towards the end of summer from Jack, that was sent to a number of classmates and schoolmates saying that he was going to be coaching a soccer team for his son, Jackson, and if we would like to join to specifically ask for his team, as he was hoping to fill it with Calvin families.  He also emailed out his coaching philosophy which we were quite impressed with:

"Just a few things about how I coach:
1. We will have fun working on individual skills as well as learning about tactics of the "beautiful" game. They'll learn proper foot skills, passing, shooting, defense, give and go, etc.
2. Everyone will play, and I will play the kids at every position, unless they don't want to play goalie.
3. Players will sit on one side of the field and parents will sit on the other, and no coaching from the sideline by parents, only encouraging words. The kids will learn that they can only encourage as well.
4. We'll demonstrate good sportsmanship, and try to help the kids understand how glorifying God on the soccer field as in all of life is of utmost importance.
5. We will try to win, but if we don't it is ok. They'll see that I expect them to play hard and have fun. We will be playing older kids, so if we can learn to not play "bunch" ball (where all of the kids are bunched up around the ball) I'll be happy."

After confirming that Grace wasn't going to be the only girl on the team (that was the only thing she was worried about), we signed up.   And throughout the season we realized that this was not only a great opportunity for Grace, to play with classmates and friends and learn more about the game she was growing to love from a great guy and coach, it was also a great opportunity for our family to get to know and fellowship with other Calvin families whose kids were playing.  Twice a week, one practice and one game, we would gather over this common activity and share much more than our love for the kids and for Calvin.  Friendships evolved, for me especially with some other moms, and we really felt that Calvin community spirit again that we had experienced over and over in our 3 years at the school so far.

photo credit: katyhallphotography

 Grace really blossomed with her knowledge and skill of the game too.  It is so much fun to see your child have focus and try on the field.  That being said, they are also just 3rd grade girls too, so there were many cartwheels on the side of the field.

photo credit: katyhallphotography

 Three of her good friends were on the team with her and it was great for them to bond over the sport.

Another great friendship started too!  A boy classmate of Grace's, Sam, played on the team, and his older brother Nathan had no interest in the game, but was not quite old enough to stay home on his own yet.  He loves little kids though, so he asked if he could play with Henry during their first practice and they hit it off!  So began the routine of Henry and Nathan playing together during games and practices.  I asked his mom if I could pay him for baby-sitting, as it was wonderful to be able to watch the practices and games rather than chase Henry around, but Becky was just happy to have a reason for Nathan to be excited to come with to soccer.  We gave him this picture and a small gift at the end of the season - Henry still shouts "Nay-fan!" whenever he sees him or a picture of him.  =)

They normally play on Saturday mornings, and they didn't cancel for weather unless there was lightning - they played a whole game in downpour rain one time!  Told Grace it was good for her, made her a real athlete!  But we did reschedule one game because of the CCS Challenge, and we played it at the end of the season on a weeknight.  Since it was October, they ended the game under the moon-light which was really fun.  The kids all played well an ended their season with no losses and only 2 ties.

photo credit: katyhallphotography

photo credit: katyhallphotography

 Thanks so much to Jack for coaching and putting this team together.  Grace had so much fun and learned a ton.  We were privileged and blessed to be a part of this soccer team!