I remember the first time Sophie tried to be on a soccer team. She was so excited. We signed her up, paid the fees, bought her a new soccer ball and uniform and cleats, and geared up for her first game. When the whistle blew to sound the start of the game and the girls all started scurrying around the ball, Sophie was there too. But she wasn't scurrying around the ball. She was sobbing.
We called her to the sidelines to find out what was wrong and to comfort her. We begged her to rejoin the game. We coddled and cajoled, but there was no sportsmanlike conduct to be had from Sophie.
"What's wrong, Sweety?" we would ask. "Are you hurt? Did someone step on your toe? Are your shin guards too tight?" We even thought maybe the parents cheering and yelling had frightened her.
We found out later what it was. In Sophie's 6-year-old voice, she explained why she quit soccer and never wanted to return to the game: "I was ready to play the game, but when I saw Sabrina on the side of the field playing with some other kid, I got jealous and didn't want to play soccer ever again."
Sophie is now almost 10 and the scars of betrayal by her older sister playing with some other kid have healed.
And I'm proud to say she has returned to the game.
Watch out, sideline kids. A ball might come your way when you least expect it.
11 Comments
Margaret
OMG, she looks so grown up in her soccer attire! Good for Sophie! Hope she enjoys the season!
Kim
Go Sophie!
Wendy
Love that look of an athlete in that last pic!
Good luck, Sophie! Enjoy your season!
audrey
Oh my. I cannot believe that Sophie no longer looks like a little girl! I cannot believe how grown she looks!!!! I mean, she looks like a pro soccer player!! I want Natalie to play soooo bad and when the season starts next spring, she is going to be on the team for sure! LOOOVE YOU! Way to Go Sassy!
joann tx
how seasoned she looks! just like a pro! like she’s been playing all her life!
way to go sophie!
you are going to have one of the largest cheering sections!!!
michele
Yeah, Sophie!
littlebit
Sassy, indeed! Just look at the competition on her face. Out for the kill! 🙂 I can hardly stand her looking like a young lady, so grown up. Does she HAVE to turn 10 this month? Sniffle..LLY
Catherine
Go Sophie!! That’s one great game face in the last picture!
Pat Matejcek
Go Sophie!!!
Katrina
Woohoo, go Sophie! Love the pictures :-).
Cari
Yeah Sophie!!!