From the sideline, “Watch and Learn”

September 24, 2011: Week Two: From the Sideline, "Watch and Learn"

Week Two proved to be a better week than the first. The coaches were well prepared and more organized and the children were inspired to play. The structure of disorganization that lingered from last week seemed to magically dissipate. Once more, Freddy did well in practice. He sported a smile of enthusiasm that illuminated his entire face when practicing a drill of kicking the ball back and forth to one of his teammates. In the moment, he was content and when he is happy, I am happy.

Practice ended, and the game began. Echoing last week’s performance, my son decided that he was going to escape from the field and sit the game out once again. Free from outbursts, he simply walked away. Well that was an improvement from last week, wouldn’t you agree? Unlike the prior week, I was prepared. His small, child–sized, outdoor camping chair was parallel to mine and I assumed that it would serve the purpose of taking small breaks. Not so.

I felt more at ease now than the previous week about him sitting out. I decided that I would be supportive whether he chose to play or not. I decided that I would be silent from spewing out discouraging comments and avoid causing him discomfort by attempting to force him. I did make the effort however, to encourage him but I did not forcibly insist that he play. I elected to allow him to make the choice. I was determined to let him decide on his own action. He suggested that he “watch and learn”.  This is a sentimental phrase that he and I frequently share with each other. I agreed with delight.

The other players were focused and playing well. They were attentive to the coaches and to the game. I am happy to report that our team won. Last week I could not even tell you what the score was, I only knew that we lost. This week we won 2–0. Improvement was made by players, coaches, but most of all, the parents. Parents seemed more confident and less stressed. I, myself, consciously chose to follow rules in the Parent’s Soccer Survival Guide and remember that “The game is for the children” and “Let them learn at their own pace”.

Allowing Freddy to make his own decision of sitting this one out, gave me the freedom to enjoy spending time with him, prevented me from barking out commands, and removed the possibility of placing high expectations on him when he just isn’t ready. He will participate when he is ready. So from the sideline, my son and I watched and cheered his teammates on.

The coaches taught me a valuable lesson this week. The attitude that came about was a positive one which focused on accepting that the little ones would let them know when they were ready to engage. After all, these little ones are just four and five years old. If it’s not fun now, it never will be. It is easy for parents to get carried away as they want their child to succeed. The real success unfolds when parents allow their children to breathe, to gain confidence, and to have fun.

Freddy is a visual learner. “Watch and learn” is an effective tactic for him. As he watches his team move up and down the field, he will learn how to play the game. Once he feels comfortable, he can join in.

I just want him to have fun.  

Calling all Rookies!

September 17, 2011: Week One: Rookie Week

It’s official. I have become a soccer mom, a nice little jump up from being identified as a soccer aunt. I have been inducted into the soccer mom subculture although I think I had my foot in way before soccer started.

My “baby boy” Freddy who just turned 4 years old in July began playing soccer for the first time and although he is familiar with knowledge of what a soccer ball looks like, he has limited understanding of how to play the game.

There was a disorganized structure in the air; no one really knew how to untangle it. Many new parents and children surfaced and I was glad to see a few familiar faces from my son’s preschool.

One of the other rookie moms whispered to me, “There should be a special needs soccer team, don’t you think?” She wanted her other son, who is autistic, to have a similar opportunity as his sibling. She did not want him to develop a disposition of irritation as he sits on the sideline watching his brother play. I thought that was a very interesting point. With an increased population of children with special needs, why isn’t there a special needs team?

Practice begins. With his mommy, daddy, and grandparents cheering him on, Freddy’s confidence flaunted through his high–spirited smile. During the first half hour of practice, he did remarkably well. I was expecting some crying, tantrum, and any behavior he could muster up to alert me that he did not want to participate. To my blissful surprise, he appeared to be having fun during practice drills. Great, I thought, he is going to enjoy this. It’s going to be easier than I had imagined it would be.
 

The game begins. A few minutes into the first game of the season and Freddy’s first game ever, he comes sprinting off of the field. My thoughts were premature as he did not disappoint, crying and carrying on displaying HIS finish. He was done. I tried to encourage him to get back into the game but he was reluctant to my nudge. He was not the only rookie acting out this willful debut. There were four other players on his team also crying and uttering that they did not aspire to play.

I became increasingly nervous. As a rookie mom, I did not know exactly how to handle this situation. Although I had been to my nieces’ soccer games numerous times, this was new territory for me, and for my son. I glanced around at the other “new” parents and witnessed that they were also disheartened. Unsure of how to encourage their child without dipping into negative reinforcements, each novice parent, including myself, did the best we knew how to do. Should we expect coaches to intevene and inspire young new players?

It seems odd and quite funny to me that all five players who had beginners’ anxiety were all on the same team, my son’s team. It should come as no surprise then, that our team lost. Don’t laugh at me when I tell you that I cannot even convey what the final score was. I was so diligent in trying to drive Freddy back into the game. I was not alone.

Hmmm, where is that survival guide for new parents when you need it?

I do not want to pressure my son so far as to seem that it is forcing him to play, but at the same time I do not wish for him to learn that it is acceptable to quit after not really trying. When is enough, enough?

Calling all rookies, parents and children alike, get back into the game.

Let’s see what next week brings. I’m trusting that Week Two will create a better outcome. Maybe I will even be able to report on the final score. Maybe Freddy and the other rookies will play in the game.

Here’s hoping.