Naomi's First Taste of Soccer

Fall soccer season started the last week in August and ended the first week in November. Here are some of the highlights from Naomi's first (of many) soccer season. Her team name was Academica.

The first day of practice Naomi was ready to leave three hours early. Finally, after being asked every five minutes for two hours "When are we leaving?", I broke down and we went to Strikers Soccer. We arrived 45 minutes early during which time Naomi soaked up all the pictures of previous teams and oogled at the trophies while dreaming of the trophies she would win.

Here she is driving the ball to the goal. She scored at least three goals a game. Her top-scoring game included 10 goals. Not only could she score goals, but she did it in style. Notice the striped socks with big pink roses on them.

This is Ella, her soccer buddy. She and Ella were quite a pair. The two of them could run really fast and score lots of goals. Naomi started to understand the concept of working as a team when she and Ella would help each other score goals.

Brother Barker, the amazing second counselor in our bishopric, came to one of Naomi's games. It was a lucky pick of games. Since Naomi's team played Haylee's team, Brother Barker got to see two of "his primary kids" play at the same time. Here he is with is son, Cohen, Paige Tufts, Naomi and Haylee Tufts. Notice the smiles on the girls' faces. Brother Barker inspires smiles where ever he goes. I am glad that my children have such a great example of what it means to be part of a ward family.

Coach Jim is giving them some last minute advice before the game starts. The girls really connected with him because he would get down on their level to talk with them and he was there to pick them up when they fell - sometimes literally!

Nicholas found a way to be of assistance.

The boys were very helpful throughout the season. When either Coach Jim or Coach Ralph needed some help demonstrating a move or concept they would have Jeremy and/or Nicholas come and assist.

Front Row: Nicki, Gia, Naomi, Molly

Second Row: Ella, Claudia, Hailey

Back Row: Coach Jim, Coach Ralph

Not pictured: Megan

After the last game, all the girls were awarded a trophy.

For now we will keep Naomi in the recreational league for soccer until she is ready to enter the world of competitive leagues.

Paige, Haylee and Naomi all showing off their trophies.

After the last game and awards ceremony we went to Tenders for a post-season party. This group of girls worked very well together and the parents all got along as well. We are planning to get the girls on the same team for Spring Season which starts in February.

In the meantime, we have signed Naomi up for Winter Season since she "cannot live that long without playing soccer."