8.03.2010

Rookie Soccer Camp

Since soccer will be starting in the next month or so, I jumped at the chance to put Cooper into a soccer mini-camp. It is Monday – Thursday this week from 9am – 10am and is taught by Town North YMCA Rookie soccer Ref, Doc Lawson (former professional player and Dallas Sidekick). The timing is kind of tough for Danny and I since it is at a busy work time, but that is a benefit of working at home, right?

Today was the second day of camp and was much better than yesterday where we had a flash backs to the Spring season including lots of crying. However, Cooper was still interested and excited because he came into our room at 2:30 am announcing that he was ready to go to soccer camp. So, not a tear was shed today.  (all the pics here)

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Doc is really amazing with the kids and since Danny is co-coaching the team this Fall, I have been trying to take notes. Those kids listen to every word he says and every single one of them participates. He talks to them with a very strong and authoritative voice, but he shows interest in every thing they say to him. Every day of camp (and every game he refs too) starts with exercises. They touch their toes, swing their arms, and run the field to get ready.

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They do several drills each day. Today’s new skill was “braking” the ball.

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Also, even though camp is only an hour, each day has a snack time ad story time. On Monday, when Doc said he was going to ask for a volunteer (didn’t even get to what if was for), Cooper immediately had his hand in the air. So, he was selected to bring the book for story time today. Harry The Dirty Dog was read by Doc to the kids in a VERY animated fashion in which Doc was sure to remind all the kids to take baths after soccer camp.

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The final drill of the day is touching the cones then kicking the ball. I am thrilled to see Cooper participate. He was so scared of it all last season and would pout during the games. But with this little camp (and some follow up from Daddy and Mommy), I am hopeful that he will have more fun in the Fall.

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A short rest, a final run and they are done!

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1-2-3 SOCCER!!

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1 comment:

Heather Hardeman said...

Very cool! So glad that he's enjoying it again. If you all are in town for a football game this Fall, maybe he'd want to come and watch Ford play too. It's getting tougher and tougher for Way to sit on the sidelines...he can't wait to start either! :)