A silly little blog for me to drop the excrement of my mind.
Published on April 6, 2005 By BlueDev In Home & Family

It has happened.  I have officially become a "Soccer Dad".

Yeah, yeah.  I know they always talk about "Soccer Moms", but my Y chromosome prohibits that from being an accurate label.  We don't have the mini-van or the SUV (though my wife really wants the mini-van), and we aren't all that preppy, but our daughter began soccer last night.  It was an interesting experience. 

Half way through she didn't seem too excited.  Water break led to me putting my arms around her, drying her tears and telling her it would be all right and that she was doing well.  Lots of 'thumbs up' signs and enthusiastic smiles later she seemed to be enjoying it.  Good.

I didn't have the greatest soccer experience growing up.  I was forced to choose: stop running from the ball or stop playing soccer.  So I stopped playing soccer.  I regret it to this day (as I really enjoy the sport and wish I hadn't been forced to stop playing), and was determined I wasn't going to do the same to my daughter.  So I called my wife (who was at the store) and told her she needed to pick up a soccer ball while there.

Tonight will be the first night of our daddy-daughter soccer camp. 

I think it will help her.  She loves dance, and loves to be active, but has not, as of yet, played a team sport.  There is another little girl on her team (coaches daughter) who literally put her arm around Jess and was holding her hand while the team was talking.  The smile that those simple actions brought to her face was priceless. 

But I have to say, once again, I feel so young!  Whenever I am at school related activities with our daughter I realize just how young we are compared her peer's parents.  It doesn't phase my wife because she doesn't constantly think of herself as a 'student'.  But I am, and so I do.  Yep, old enough to be a soccer dad and young enough to be a student all at the same time.  Crazy.


Comments
on Apr 06, 2005

Untie?  The shoes?

I became one when my oldest daughter turned 6.  It was more of a case of swarm ball than soccer, and I was the assistant coach!  But they did have fun!

on Apr 06, 2005
Yep, lots and lots of knots. Shoes, shorts, and knotted legs on the field.

And yes, swarm ball is the best way to describe it.
on Apr 06, 2005
The minivan can't be far behind!!

Glad to hear your getting a ball for some "Daddy Daughter Soccer Camp" action! When I coached, I was always sad to see kids being dropped off at the games by their parents. I knew that usually there really were things that kept them from participating with their kids, but I also knew that often, there weren't and still they couldn't make time for their kids. ((Small town living.. ;~D )))

Being a soccer parent (of either glandularity) is Great Fun!!!

Welcome to the club!!
on Apr 06, 2005
I know, I know. The minivan is inevitable. And when I told my wife last night that, after we traded in one of our cars, the payments would be a little less than they currently are on that car, well, I could see the wheels spinning.

The whole soccer thing sort of snuck up on us. We signed her up, but I think we forgot about it. Suddenly she got the call: practice Tuesday at 5:00, get her socks, shin guards, cleats, and some clothes to practice in. Didn't mention a ball, and we just didn't have time before then. But we have one now, so it is time to go play.

But man, I feel weird there, being at least 8-10 years younger than most of the parents!
on Apr 06, 2005

The minivan can't be far behind!!

Sniff! (Haughty snub there)

I use a crew cab pickup!  peasants!

on Apr 06, 2005

Yep, lots and lots of knots. Shoes, shorts, and knotted legs on the field.

Just checking!

on Apr 06, 2005
Yes, the spelling 'error' was intentional.
on Apr 06, 2005

Yes, the spelling 'error' was intentional

That gets an insightful!  Sorry they dont have a 'great pun' one!