Soccer 2012

This past Spring I agreed to coach Big H is soccer again. I was excited to have 3 boys from my team last year, because they had been taught and knew "my" coaching style. I found out I had 14 kids on the team and in U8 you only play 7 kids at a time, and was not quite sure what to think about that...And to add to all of my optimism we had a Goalie this year! WHO wants to be Goalie??? Well, thank goodness some kids wanted to give it a shot. To be honest after the first practice I went home and told Derek I was not sure I would be able to, or even wanted to coach this year.  I will just say the first practice was an interesting one.

After the first game I really wanted to ask another parent if they wanted to coach, because I was just not sure I was right for this group of kids.  I was just not sure if I would be able to teach these kids what I would want them to learn, and if I did, IF they would be receptive. Now I know you are probably thinking oh come Jen, they are only 7 & 8 year olds....take it easy or chill a little.  But I guess I just had high expectations!
 I will admit I have been known to run down the sideline as we move the ball down field.... when it comes to coaching I am a "PACER" I cannot just sit down or stand on the sidelines, and the parents and players learn early on to keep the sideline clear for me to pace! haha I also have a tendency to "get into" the game, for example I was so excited that we were about to score, I stood on the sideline and kicked an "imaginary" ball with the player as he was getting ready to shoot, well not the wisest thing I have ever done......because my flip flop broke and went flying!! haha Needless to say I coached the rest of the year barefoot. So I can be a little animated also! Not Bobby Knight animated, just "into" the game :) lol

Can you say "GOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!" (#21 Big H)
 

Needless to say we started the season out 1-4.  I was a little flustered and wondered if they were catching "my way" of playing. I just saw SO much potential with this group of kids. Well, they worked hard every practice.  And I can happily say I think it paid off! We ended the season 6-4! Way to go LIGHTNING! I can honestly say they totally surpassed my expectations, and I look forward to hopefully coaching the same group of boys, again sometime.

Big H was excited and had his uniform set out the morning of his first game!

Lil H enjoyed looking like he was part of the team too!

Big H has such an AMAZING fan club!  Thanks for coming and cheering guys! (Adri is not picture)

Way to go H! :)