Soccer Practice

Lauren had her first soccer practice yesterday. I've heard horror stories about kids going crazy at practice, so I was a little concerned about what we might be facing, but all I can say is WOW! Lauren's coach and his two assistants were amazing. Lauren's team is made up of 6 boys and 2 girls, all 3 years old. They ran several different drills with the kids and I watched in amazement as everyone listened and then ran the drills. I don't know if I've seen a group of 3 year olds focus and follow instructions as well as they did yesterday. After running drills, the coach had them line up across the field and they were supposed to run down the field, kicking the ball until they reached the net, and then kick the ball into the net. When the coach said go, kids went in every direction, except for Lauren. She ran straight down the field, kicked the ball in the net, turned around, went back down the field, and kicked the ball into the net at the other end. I restrained myself and didn't start yelling, "That's my kid!!!" After a couple of minutes of watching all the kids, except Lauren, run all over the field with their balls, the coach yelled, "Everybody line up behind Lauren and watch her kick the ball into the net!" Again, I restrained myself, but I was so proud of her. Lauren did great until the 40 minute mark. With 5 minutes left in practice, she came off the field and made her way to the swing set. I told her practice wasn't over, to go back on the field. She replied, "Mom, I am hot. I am sweaty. I am thirsty. I am done." Each time I told her to get on the field she gave me the same response. "Mom, I am hot. I am sweaty. I am thirsty. I am done." Her coach ran over to the side and told Lauren her team needed her. She didn't care, she was determined she was not going back on that field. Then her coach help up this orange disc and asked if Lauren could be his special helper and hold the disc on the field. Needless to say, Lauren couldn't resist being the "special helper." Jason finished a meeting and arrived at practice just as all the kids were leaving the field, so he didn't witness Lauren's awesome scoring drives. He also said in Lauren's defense, "It is ninety degrees outside. No wonder she said she was done." If practice is this fun can you imagine what the game is going to be like? So, if you try to call me and can't get through, just think to yourself, "Mary must be on the line with another talent scout who is amazed by Lauren, the three year old soccer prodigy."