Fall Soccer Comes to An End

 The Fall Soccer Season has come to an end.  It ended with a three game tournament for the U8's (under 8 years old) in Fairfield on Saturday. 

The first game was at 9:00 am.  That meant chilly temps, great parking, and speckles of white paint from the fresh lines on the boy's clothes.  We dressed in layers. . . t-shirt, sweatshirt, jersey, shorts, sweatpants, hat and gloves. 

 The sweatshirt came off first, even though the hat and gloves were still on.  Soon, the hat, gloves, and all other layers were off, especially by the second game at 10:30 am.

 The games for the U8's were scheduled at 45 minute intervals.  As soon as one game ended, another began. 

 Our team had 9 players, many more than some of the other teams of 5.  Our coach did an excellent job of making sure everyone played.

 One of the neat things about playing with the same team over the course of several week-ends, is that you get to know the other kids on the team and their parents.  The parents cheer on all the kids and by name.

The U8's have some special rules that we learned this season.  One is that we don't really keep score.  Another is NO HANDS.  That one the boy has a hard time with.  Even the defenders, not goalies, defenders could not use hands.  The boy was playing defender during the tournament and did a drop kick for a goal kick.  Oops!  Save that move for the U10's!

 The kids learned much during the season and played well together.  In some respects, if was bittersweet to have the season come to an end.

 Here's the boy with his coach placing a medal around his neck.  How ceremonious!

Here's the team!  One of the players is missing from the photo.  This was after their third game at 12:45.  Let's just say that we made a day of it, and what a fine day it was!