Soccer 2007

Arden Park Angels

This year both Lizzy & Rachel joined our neighborhood recreational soccer team. They have both played soccer in the past, but since moving back to California we didn't have the opportunity/time to add this to the mix... until now. Both of them have wanted to get back into the sport, especially as they watched their brothers play last year. With both of our girls being on the "petite" side I know it's even more important to keep them strong and physically fit. So we tinkered with our schedule and placed both girls on the same team, and with occasional help from other team member's parents, was able to somehow juggle the schedule of having four kids in soccer.

Our season started at the end of July with Seeding Tournament, and will end in a week. Their team, Arden Park Angels, is a U-10 (under 10) girls team. They started out with a short roster, as well as couple of players that have NEVER played soccer before, but throughout the season their games improved. Lately they've been winning their games. Lizzy & Rachel were both very anxious and timid as they started this season, but as the season progressed I saw more confident players come out of both of them. It turns out that Lizzy is very fast... outrunning most players. Coach has placed her mostly in forward position. However, it took the coaches several tries before they found a perfect position for Rachel... midfield. At the beginning, no matter what position she was placed in, she was ALL OVER THE FIELD! They could not keep her just up on front, or back... she just kept running all over! She may be the smallest on her team, but nevertheless she never ran out of energy. Her coaches named her the "Energizer Bunny" because she just never slowed down! Funny, huh? Anyhow, she turns out to be a great midfielder. More she runs, more happy she seems to be.

Rachel "stealing" the ball from her opponent.

Here she successful took the ball away.

As a midfielder, she does most of the throw-ins.

Here's Lizzy running the ball down the field.

Lizzy has gotten pretty proficient at ball control.

Rachel resting at half-time.

Lizzy LOVES the game!

During the half-time they enjoy a little break with drink and a little quick snack.

After each game, parents/siblings build a tunnel for them to run through. Girls just LOVE running through them.

I have truly enjoyed watching the girls play soccer this season. I've watch them blossom not only as an athlete, but their confidence level as well. I have truly become a real "Soccer Mom". You know you're spending too much time on the sideline when you can call all the fouls and off-sides even before the refs call them! However, as much as I have enjoyed it I'm also just as anxious to get my life back, even if it's only until the next sport season!