I played sports in High School. Well, I ran track. 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, and the mile relay. Those were my main events. Ran the 400 meter hurdles in college.

Ok, it’s kind of a me-type sport. But, the points count toward the team points so we’ll consider it a team sport!

I was lucky enough to be able to do that and band at the same time. I never got a chance to play soccer or softball or basketball. But I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I loved what I was able to do.

Devin and Braden both play soccer. Devin is 16 and has played since he was 4. He’s also dipped his toe into Football, Wrestling, Track (he ran hurdles like me!), and plays in the band. Braden has been playing soccer since he was 5 and also does Taekwondo (he’s a red belt) and just started 6th grade band. Both play the trumpet.

It was a natural choice to put Ausitn in soccer. We decided to try a new facility – NOKC. We’ve played here before, both older boys with their Rec or Crew teams. The facility is close and really, we just want him to try it. He needs to be out and about and sports is a great way to do that.

It’s sometimes tough having 3 boys in soccer. They’re all so busy. Luckily Devin has a car, but still. We’re constantly going, going, going, and always trying to figure out who’s taking who and when we are leaving or arriving.

And some may say that’s crazy. We rarely have a weekend at home to relax or do chores. Getting housework done is impossible. No one is ever home during the week. Austin is always being dragged to someone else’s practice or event.

But, team sports is so important. I truly believe that.

I have watched Devin become a leader on the soccer field and become an absolute unselfish player. I’ve seen Braden put his body on the line to stop a goal and I’ve listened to him as he analyzes the field.

Now it’s Austin’s turn.

Our first practice was just getting to know each other. Touching the ball. Doing some drills. He was scared at first. Terrified. But he went out there and showed what he had. And you know what? He’s the fastest kid out there. He lacks some ball skill. Clearly others have played a season or two. But his speed and willingness to learn overshadow any lack of ability he may have.

He learned to work with his teammates, talk to them, get open, don’t steal the ball from them. He’s learned to listen to a coach and cheer on his team. He’s learning how to do corner kicks and throw-ins.

I sometimes felt that the practice drills might be too difficult. Plus, it’s been a while since we were at this level! But, I was wrong. It takes practice to learn new drills, especially the tough ones. That’s what these practices are for. Then, use what you’ve learned in a game.

The coach is amazing, his wife is wonderful, and we’re so happy to have found them. We will be doing indoor this winter and I’m looking forward to seeing what Austin and the rest of his team are capable of. But more importantly, I’m looking forward to how that helps them with outdoor.

Yes, kids need downtime. Yes, they need to be at home sometimes and not running all over the city or state.

But they also need to be part of a team, or doing something to put all that energy into. Something they can work toward, get better at, reach goals.

And they need to learn how to fail. Learn how to lose gracefully and as a team. Understand that you can’t always win and what to do when you lose to improve.

They need positivity from parents. Learn to respect coaches and refs and other teams. And even their teammates.

I am so excited to go on this journey with Austin. And see where he takes this.

And for some raving…

It’s clear to me that Austin has been watching his brothers. One of the things that came so naturally to him, that not many people do, is getting open for the ball. He does play swarm ball. But he more often than not, is away for the play and ready for a pass. And since he’s so fast, it’s easy for him to just outrun others.

Yes, I know he’s only 5. But we’re really proud of him. Plus, he loves it!