Three years ago when I first signed Bridgette up for soccer, I did not realize that this was no turning back. Once you're in it, that's it! You do not quit. You just keep on going. That's how I became a soccer mom. 
For the past three years, September and October(soccer season)have been our busy months. Driving the girls(the little one is a tag-along) to practices and games three times a week plus all the other after school activities is a big commitment. But as I watched Bridgette grow from a rookie who "sat-out" most of the time three years ago to now a confident player, I thought it was well worth the effort and time. I get chills from watching my baby participate in a team sport.
So here we are in September again. This will be Bridgette's 4th year playing at AYSO(American Youth Soccer Organization). In the past, she had always happened to be one of the youngest player on the team. This year, she became one of the few older ones while all the other girls on the team are an average one year younger than her.
This week we met Coach Jon and had our first practice. Coach Jon is a fairly young guy who looks very serious and does not talk a lot. But there is a certain calm spirit in him that makes you just trust in his leadership. (I was told that he is a pastor which makes me like him more)After the team seemingly perfected their best move after practice, we were off to our first game. Eight o'clock on Saturday morning.
It was a bright Saturday morning. A little chilly but nice. We showed up 30 minutes earlier as the coach had instructed. Pulled out our folding chairs, snacks, water bottles, Madison's DS. And we are all set to go. Yahhh....Shooting Star(their team name), Let's go!
You would think that being a soccer mom I know how to behave. But the minute I watched my daughter step out onto that green field and begin to play I lost my calmness. Forget about the "parent's code" on not to coach from the sidelines--that is the coach's job- and cheer for the other team players and ...etc. Over the years, I watched how the other parents yelling instructions to their children as if they were the coach, screamed and criticized from the sidelines. I reminded myself that I would never, ever become one of them. (If you've been some of those scary ones, you know what I'm talking about) But I have to say it's hard not to get excited when you watch your child play. I remember the first time Bridgette played, I was so obsessed about her performance. I wanted her to run fast and kick big kicks. I scolded her for standing there and staring at the ball. I hated the fact that she was not aggressive enough, always being so passive and not proactive. In actuality, she was exhausted and tired and probably slightly more intrigued in the bugs that she had found in the field than the game.
The first year was a learning year. At AYSO, they do not keep scores for U-6 level. But I kept secret totals in my head and agonized over every point scored by the other team and every point scored by our team. I cringed every time the other team got near our goal and shrieked when our team made advances. Since it was an entirely new experience for Bridgette, I gave her some time to get familiar with the rules and working with her teammates.
For the second and third year, she was placed in very competitive teams where the coaches made it clear that their goal was to win, win and win. Having a couple of "star players" on the team, my daughter was facing a lot of pressure. For those of use whose children were the first and second-year players, we felt being discriminated against because there was clearly favoritism being played here. Not every girl got a fair chance to play the offense. (it took me some time to come to the realization that every position is equally important)Every time when you see that same girl zero in on the ball like a heat-seeking missile during every play, you can't help but wonder if the coach is depriving the chances of other girls' kicking the goal by allowing the same girl to play offense every single time. A little side note, one time I tried to chit-chat with a soccer mom whose daughter was one of the "star players". She gave me a cold shoulder. I decided that my life would be a total waste if I make one more attempt trying to "friend" her. Anyway, my point being, come on, this is supposed to be a fun and friendly environment. There is nothing to brag about. Everyone is here to learn. As soccer moms, we should cheer for everyone! (I'm sounding like an angry soccer mom now.)
This year I determined that I'm going to be more relaxed since Bridgette already knows how to play the game. I trust that the coach can see her strengths and work on her weaknesses. In fact, she got to play offense, her favorite defense and goalie during the first two games. Despite the fact in both games their team lost, I have to say that they played cooperatively as a team. There were lots of nice passings and everyone communicated well. As for my own daughter, she did an AWESOME job that made me proud as a soccer mom. Being a first time goalie, she saved her team some amazing goals out there.
Way to go, girl. I know you've got the ability and courage to reach for your best. Mommy will pray that you stay the course and persevere. Let's kick the goal!
Tired of cheering up for Bridgette, Madison's playing daddy's e-phone.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline...I pray that you...may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." 2 Timothy 1:7
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