facing challenges

Jeff and his teammates played a tough game this afternoon. Up until the beginning of this game, his team was undefeated; it's been a boost for their little soccer-loving hearts, but as parents, we knew that this could possibly change.

Today's game was almost that change in the tide. The kids went up against a team that had a few players who were bigger and better. The opposing team scored two goals at the very beginning, quick and fast. We could see the kids getting discouraged after the second goal, but our coach (a substitute since Coach Ari was out of town on business) kept rallying them together and encouraging them.

It worked because the score was suddenly tied, 2-2. Jeff played defense most of the game and left the scoring to his teammate Ian, who came through for them. In the second half, it was 3-3, but within the last ten minutes of the game, Jeff helped Ian score the winning goal.

Very happy Cheetahs (their team name) after that.

These kids really impress me. They're 7-8 years old, but their love for the game makes it so fun to watch them play. It's especially impressive when you see them go up against bigger and better kids, and play their very best, even when their opponents don't exactly play by the rules (pushing with hands, grabbing, tripping, etc.). I credit their good sportsmanship to Coach Ari, whose first and foremost goal is to teach the kids to play correctly. He also encourages them to play their best and have fun, which I think the kids have really taken to heart.

He's been practicing stopping and trapping the ball all weekend, so it was
fun to see him actually do it in the game

Keeping the ball away from the goal

"ATTACK THE BALL!"