Go Eagles!

Levi is playing soccer for the first time this "fall." His team is the Eagles and they have green camo jerseys (we had nothing to do with picking either and Levi was thrilled when he heard the team name and saw their uniforms). Their first game was this morning and Levi was very excited to start playing.

all ready to start his first official sport!

His league is very disorganized (in my opinion) and we didn't find out any information about his team or coach until a week ago, and didn't get our schedule for games until Thursday. So, the boys weren't able to meet or practice until Friday night. Philip had signed up to be assistant coach (with baby on the way he didn't feel he could commit to head coach), but didn't ever hear back if he was coaching. After the first practice, it looks like he will be helping assist in coaching as much as he is able.

All the boys on his team are new to the sport, but seem to be excited and played very hard in their first game. It was hot and humid, and all the boys were super sweaty from running and trying so hard. Joel was quite the cheer leader, and also worked up a good sweat :). Much to Levi's disappointment they lost today's game 10-0, but he got some great kicks and blocks in there and recovered from his sadness pretty quickly. With more practice, I think they will learn to understand the game a little more and be able to play more successfully.  The opponent has been a team for 2 previous season and it really showed!

Levi ran hard most of the game!

getting in a little dribbling

managed to kick it away from the other team a couple times

I love this picture...we watched a few of the world cup games, and I guess Levi picked up on this arm position from some of those players :) He ran with his arms out "like an eagle" several times during the game!

We just need to understand the rules and gain some confidence and we will do better next time (at least that's what Philip and I told Levi)! Our little guy sure was cute running all over the field and giving his teammates high fives! He's off to a great start and I can't wait to watch him learn and grow as an athlete in the many, many games to come. I was proud that he was a good sport and kept trying hard despite being so far behind. I hope we can instill good sportsmanship in him early and he will become a great athlete that is a team player with a good attitude as he matures.

still smiling after a rough game!