(Apology: Lots of pictures to come. I have a series of all the pictures I took - well not all, because that would be obnoxious! - from the entire 6 week session…)
I signed Rudy up for a soccer league through an organization called "Happy Feet". The league was 6 weeks long with a practice/game every Sunday at 5:30. There was a 25 minute practice, followed by a 20 minute game. In case of bad weather, the games were moved to an indoor soccer field. The team he was on was technically for 3 year olds. But he was close enough, so we decided to go for it!
Week 1:
Headed to his first game!
Avery was not so thrilled, she wanted to play!
All dressed in his uniform for the Green Gators!
Our first week was moved inside. We arrived early and Rudy and John were able to run around and warm up a bit...
Here are some pictures of the "practice" - Rudy was hesitant and did not want John leaving the field...
We were cracking up in the stands when they brought the cones up. The coaches could hardly get them set up before one of the kids would kick them over, run away with them, or throw them in the air...
sleepy baby...
Rudy wasn't really into it at first. He actually decided he was done about half way through the game. He was hot and wanted to take his shirt off. We were hoping he was just tired from getting there early and playing around so much before they started...
"good game, good game, good game…"
team huddle
Week 2:
John was working so he wasn't able to make it to the game. Rudy fought me on the way there - he didn't want to play. But we powered through. I joined Rudy on the field this time and he would not let me leave his side for almost the entire practice.
Get the ball in the goal… not get in the goal…
eehem - the ball is over there...
good sports!
Lined up with his teammates, waiting for his stamp...
…and soccer games aren't complete without after-game snacks! The moms on the team organized a snack schedule so the kids would have a treat after every game.
Week 3:
We were FINALLY able to have a game outside!! And it made such a difference!! It was great to be able to watch right from the sidelines and not behind a glass wall. I think it helped Rudy, too because he could run over to us if he needed a drink or a high-five. And being right there, we could walk away without really "leaving" him… at least that's how it felt to me!
Rudy had a lot of fun Week 3. He participated in the practice without us!
Rudy's biggest (littlest) fans :)
And he attempted to chase after the ball! He wasn't very aggressive in trying to actually get to it, but at least he stayed by it and with the group!
Soccer is meant for the outdoors!
The parents also started a "tunnel" (we stood across from each other, raised our arms and woo-hoo-ed as they ran through) on Week 3 - the kids ran through at the end of the game then grabbed their treat at the end. This may be a thing, but it was new to me!
Weeks 4 and 5:
Pretty much the same as Week 3, except the temps cooled down and it was really pleasant to sit and watch!
Pretty much the same as Week 3, except the temps cooled down and it was really pleasant to sit and watch!
Week 6:
Week 6 was awesome - Rudy kicked the ball during the game!! Big strides here, people. AND he was excited to go. He kept asking everyone, "You come clap real loud for me??"
Week 6 was awesome - Rudy kicked the ball during the game!! Big strides here, people. AND he was excited to go. He kept asking everyone, "You come clap real loud for me??"
Avery found flowers (weeds) and Gran and her picked enough to make a head-wreath for Avery...
pretty girl :)
So proud of our little (big) guy!
We signed Rudy up for the next session this fall. The difference from Week 1 to Week 6 was awesome. He's no pro, but it was definitely good for him. It pushed him out of his comfort-zone and he learned to have fun! We also signed Avery up for her own team for this next session… now that should be entertaining!
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