Fast forward to fall this year and there was debate about playing for a "travel" soccer team, rather than the community league that we have been playing in with the BAYS. This travel team is for kids who are a bit more dedicated to soccer and have a bit more natural soccer ability. With this, comes "tryouts" for the team. Only a select few (13) make the team. Tryouts arrived and before that day, we had to decide if both of you were going to try out or if just JD would try out.
Cole, up until now, your soccer experience was more for the social aspect and the fun of it. You enjoy the game but more than that, you love to be around your friends and laugh and joke around on the bench. Most days, you would have preferred not to go to practice, but did so to support your team (and we wouldn't let you skip practice). And most of the games you would have just as soon skipped - and elected not to play if the coaches would let you sit out. And make no mistake, we allowed you to decide if you wanted to play at the beginning of the season and you did.
JD, you had a little more spark in your game and were a little more competitive. You practice at home more often and never don't want to play. Your heart is more in it and you consistently say it's your favorite sport. With that said, there was no question that you were going to try out for this team.
It became obvious to Dad and I that we needed to make a decision on how we would handle one of you making the team and the other not making the team. We weren't sure if we should have both of you try out, or encourage Cole to hold on it this year and continue to play at the community level. Either way we presented this, we knew this was going to be hard on you Cole. It hurt my heart to think about it, much less have to have this discussion with you.
It didn't go well. You cried. You got angry. You didn't really understand how if you had played with all of these kids for this many seasons that you wouldn't be included in this team. We tried to explain that you would enjoy the community league much more because it's much more laid back and fun. We tried to explain that you could play with some of your old pals and make some new ones. Tryouts came around and we held you back. We thought it would be harder on you if you didn't make the team than if you just didn't try out. Not sure what the right choice was but we had to pick one and stick with it.
After tryouts, the travel team was set. JD made it. Along with a few of your other past team mates. But not all of them made it. We told you it was your choice on whether you played for the community team or not. It took you weeks to decide. One day you were in, the next day you were out. You eventually decided to play. And you have awesome coaches - Coach Denise and Coach Pat.
Unfortunately, with sports these days, the level escalates early - way too early for my liking. Eight year olds should not be faced with this - you're too young. But I lost that battle and we moved forward against everything I believe. Much to my dismay, we were signing up to be that family who has an eight year old traveling too far from home for games every week, with pressure that should not be at this young age. It went against everything that I believe kids sport should be these days. The level of play is significantly higher and the rules are like the big boys. Although much faster paced and fun to watch, the jury is still out on whether or not it's too much. Time will tell.
So, our first games were this weekend. And both of you did amazing! Cole, you had the earlier game and contrary to how you played last year, you got in there and played like a champ. You turned it on! You hustled, went after the ball and actually seemed like you were enjoying it. Although you froze up a bit when we first arrived, you loosened up a bit and never hesitated to go in when coach asked you. Milestones sweet boy. Milestones.
After your game, we had to drive over an hour to JD's game. We got there just as the game started and for the first time ever, you actually sat and watched and cheered on your old pals. You took pictures and videos with my phone and luckily, didn't seem too sad to be there!
JD, you played amazing. You loved it. It was so cool to watch you play with such passion - your heart was in it 100%. Your team looked terrific - and your coaches (Dad) were so proud. And a bonus was that you boys won your first game!
It is absolutely my favorite thing to do - to watch you boys play sports. Watching you flourish with your team, coaches and the game itself is awesome. Every parent on the sidelines is proud of their kid(s). Spending the mornings with these parents, watching our kids play together is so rewarding. We live in a wonderful community where everyone is so supportive - and I was reminded this weekend of how special that is. We have a great season ahead for both of you. Although it's a much different season since the two of you are going in different directions with different teams, it adds to the fun. I feel so lucky and blessed to have healthy, fun kids who have something that they can grow with and be passionate about. Whether it's sports or something else, we will continue to encourage you to foster a passion. As long as it's fun & enjoyable, keep going for it!
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