Soc(cer) it to me, baby
My youngest daughter, Andrea, was a soccer player. She got a late start at the game, first playing in high school, and only then because she wanted a spring sport but didn't want to run track. Her position was goal keeper, a spot no one else wanted. But she was a dandy keeper and even ended up getting a scholarship for college based on her soccer involvement. Our little Andie did quite well on the college level, too.
Our oldest grandson, Bubby, is now a soccer player, starting at a far younger age than his Aunt Andie. The week he, Baby Mac, and Megan visited in October was the week of his first soccer practice. So he missed his very first official instruction. Andrea, being the sole soccer player on either side of Bubby's extended family, gave him a few preliminary pointers while he was here so he'd be ready to roll once he returned home.
At three years old, being ready to roll...or pass or dribble or kick the ball into the goal is, understandably, a foreign concept. Right up there with not being able to touch the ball with your hands in the game of soccer...unless you're throwing it in from the side to your teammates whenever the confusing gameplay requires such.
Bubby's giving it the ol' college, er, toddler try, though, and Jim and I were fortunate to attend one of his soccer games during our recent visit. Here's a sampling of the action (Bubby's in the hood):
Like I said, it's a confusing game, especially for toddlers, I think. Even more confusing when you're the tiniest (probably youngest, too) peanut on the team. He'll get it though, I'm sure. He's off to a good start.
The best part—at least to Bubby, I think—is when the game is done and it's time to collect snacks to replenish after the hard work of playing.
Did Bubby and his teammates win the game Jim and I saw? I honestly couldn't tell ya. Soccer's a confusing game—especially when you're a three-year-old...or the grandma who had eyes only for that three-year-old out on the field.
Today's question:
What is your favorite sport to watch?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Reader Comments (13)
My favorite sport is SOCCER... I was a coach, a player and am still and always a FAN.
I've been to two World Cup Games, one in '94' in California and the WOMENS World Cup Win in 1999 in the Rose Bowl...
Munchkins to way over 30's, I love to watch...
Good Luck Bubby and may you grow to love and embrace the game...
Aww...Bubby's doing great out there!
My favorite spectator sport is basketball. Fast paced, no worry weather elements, and indoor plumbing.
Probably also a fondness for basketball because of 'Da Bulls' run. Will never forget those seasons and so exciting for this Chicagoan to watch!
looks like he's catching on--and of course the after game treat is the reason they play isn't it. I like watching football.
Bubby's learning to hold his tongue just right, he'll get it yet.
I enjoy football when the Broncos win.
I like all sports really, However I have sat in a freezing snow storm, with trash bags on our feet and legs watching a Girls Soccer game and neither the person I was with nor my self had any 'real' vested interest in either team other than we KNEW a few of the players, the coaches, the ref's and some parents.... now that is how much of a FAN-atic I am....
Oh so cute! Brings back memories for me, too. My oldest played soccer from age 5 on. He was pretty good. Now his son has been playing for a few seasons and he helps coach/officiate where needed. I've attended one of my grandson's games. Too dang cute.
I think sports are important for the kids, even early on. These days they spend so much time inside on those video games and computers. Being outside and actually talking and playing with other kids balances them out. Just my opinion. It's a good thing.
It's fun watching the little ones out there. No organization at all, just a big pig pile for the ball - whatever the game.
Not a sportser, I. I like watching Olympic sports when they run. Volleyball, gymnastics. I used to study fencing. Does that count?
I personally hate soccer. I think it's confusing too. I was so happy when our son quit playing soccer and moved on to baseball, football, and basketball.
I understand that Our Little Princess has her first soccer ball and Daddy and Mommy are working on beginner skills with her. She'll be 3 in February so next year she'll be eligible to play too. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching her play ... maybe.
My favorite sport to watch is basketball. Probably because it's indoors in air conditioned and heated gymnasiums. And ... I understand it. I wish the NBA would get their act together and play this year.
When my daughter (age 6) first started playing soccer ,her coach called it bunch ball because where ever the ball was, a bunch of kids surrounded it. It was a riot but you're right, they get it eventually as will Bubby (who looked awfully cute out there). Track and field is my favorite to watch however.
Bubby is so cute and he looks like he is having so much fun! LOVE the hood!
Favorite (only) sport I enjoy watching or participating in is figure skating. So glad Grampy doesn't like sports!!!
Soccer is confusing to me too but looks like Bubby's doing pretty good for a 3 yrd old...he even has the Michael Jordan thing going on with his tongue!
Football is my favorite sport by far, especially the Denver Broncos! My grandfather, father, brothers and son played football.
How lovely that Buddy is playing a sport, it is so good for them. Thanks for sharing Lisa.
My favourite sport to watch is Rugby - not American Football. Recently the Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand, America did have a team playing but sorry they didn't do any good. Teams from over the world came to NZ to participate, people had & still do have New Zealand flags flying on their cars, what fun, it did a lot to booster moral of the country when in the past year has been so horrid for us, with the mine disaster a year ago & then the dreadful earthquakes in Christchurch. The last game of tournament was France v NZ, what a nail biter; New Zealand won just by 1 point, the country went wild. Poor Norman, my American husband, had had enough of rugby by the time it was over, but he sat & watched without complaining like a perfect gentleman knowing how important it was for me.
Another game I like to watch is cricket, not test matches which run for 4 days and are very boring to those that really don't understand it. I do like watching 1 day matches which are quick and can get very exciting.
Does 'Dancing With the Stars' count?