Johanna plays soccer

Fall 2018

Our active Johanna asked to take dance classes again this year, but after last years disinterest in repetitive motions I decided not to sign her up for dance. Then my brother Joe mentioned that the OLV soccer program had a relaxed 5 year old soccer program and invited Johanna. This was just the right type of thing that she would enjoy: team sport, lots of running, some independence, and scoring. It was perfect for me too: consistent time, short commitment, outside physical activity.

Even though the season had already started, Joe slid Johanna onto his team and we started the Saturday morning routine. We dug through the buckets and found the little shin guards. We tried on a few pairs of cleats and came up with ones that fit. Johanna got her green jersey and socks and she was ready to play. Johanna was thrilled to find out that her cousin Victor was also on her team.

They had practice before each game and then played a 45 minute game. They didn't keep score or call penalties at this age level. It was just a focus on ball control and figuring out which goal they were aiming for. Some weeks Johanna was into the game and others she wanted to sit in my or Jim's lap and needed prodding to get back out there. Each game she got a few touches and sometimes dribbled and moved the ball effectively. Her attention ebbed and flowed but liked being there. We lucked out with good weather most weeks even if it was muddy and we only had one rain out.

In all it was a great experience and Johanna was happy to be on a team.