Monday, September 8, 2008

Oh to...Oh to be...Oh to be a Gooner, in Training!

I won't even pretend to follow Arsenal FC (of the English Premier League) very closely, or many of the Euro League teams, for that matter. But, I grew up playing soccer, and now, Jack's following in those footsteps!

It's pretty exciting for me to see him taking up the sport - it's one I regret not pursuing more wholeheartedly, and regret not following as closely as I do American football or basketball. But, I think if he takes to the sport, I'll make it a goal to at least get some MLS games recorded, and any Euro or Latin American League games I happen to encounter on the DVR. Heck, there's the Fire in Chicago and the Crew in Columbus - perhaps we could even day-trip a game sometime in the near future.

Anyway, following are some pictures from Jack's first go on the pitch. One item of note, near the end of practice, his team (The Rhinos) squared off in a scrimmage against the team practicing on the other half of the same field. Shortly into the scrimmage, Jack decided to follow the example being set by some of the other kids, and fall ontop of the ball as a crowd gathered around it. Well, his strategy, apparently, didn't register with some of the others in the crowd, and Jack took a cleat to the jaw. After about 15 minutes of crying on mom's shoulder (with her shooting me tear-filled, panic-stricken looks as he'd nestle his head in her neck and say that he couldn't open his mouth) he finally calmed down and asked to be put back in the game. Atta boy! As Jack's great-grandpa Keller would've yelled, "Rub some dirt on it, and get back on the damn field!"

Getting to the field, readying for battle...or...something.

The Rhinos, kicking goals, as Coach Katie fetches balls from the net.

Jack squares up for a right boot toward the net!

Passing drills with dad

Jack and a teammate sorta listening to Coach's instructions

OK, neither Jack nor the boy behind him really seem to believe what the heck Coach is asking them to do here. Josh, in the back, is just freewheelin' through life!

(K)

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