Summer Soccer

I decided not to organize a co-op soccer camp this summer, but I still wanted my kids to have a chance to play, so we hatched the idea of weekly pick-up games.  Starting in mid-May, every Wednesday at 6 pm, we got together with whatever friends (and friends of friends) decided to show up, and played a soccer game or two.

Initially, we hoped to get playing time on the new, beautiful, turf fields, but soon realized those were much too busy.  Instead, we moved to a neighborhood park and never had anyone else trying to use the fields at the same time.   

Our weekly numbers fluctuated wildly, but we usually had enough kids to set up two games - 8 and up, and 7 and under. 

8+ game

7 and under game

We got great use out of the jerseys and cones I got for the soccer camps.

 

Aubree played a couple times.  Graham always started out with enthusiasm, but would soon meander over to the swings or play with other little kids.  Nellie usually crawled around trying to eat rocks and grass.

 Bryce and Thane, however, played their hearts out. 

I'll admit there were weeks I cursed myself for committing to this endeavor.  Some days were busy and it was just one more thing we needed to do.  In the end, it was worth it.  The boys' skill levels increased dramatically, and they had a lot of fun.  They are more than ready to jump right into the fall soccer season. 
Hopefully our friends had a good time as well.  I think we'll do it again next summer (maybe just twice a month, though).

And there was that one week when the kids decided to be matchy-matchy in their Phillies gear from Grandma & Grandpa Winters.