On Thursday, August 28, the kids had their first Upward soccer games of the year.
Two soccer players ready for their first games
Rosemary, age 8
Ben, age 6
Rosemary and a couple of her friends, Megan and Lucy
In with her teammates Aidan, Kaden, and Megan
Ben and Rosemary’s games were at the same time for most of the season, so after watching a bit of Rosemary’s game, Charlotte and I headed over to see Ben’s game.
Me and my soccer buddy watching from the sidelines
Good game!
Soccer started back up the same day as ballet, so as soon as the girls were finished with dance, they changed and we made our way to practice.
Rosemary knew all but one teammate and even had the same coach as last year.
Ben had the same coach, too. Jonathan. Ben was quite excited to get back to soccer.
Hot and sweaty after practice.
Soccer season wrapped up at the end of October. My parents were able to come for the last game.
Jonathan had a pizza party for his team after the last game.
These kids chowed down!
Jonathan had a really sweet group of 5 year olds to coach. I think they had a fun season.
Rosemary’s team ended up being undefeated and she was very excited about that.
The next week, Upward hosted an awards night and the kids each got a trophy. They have them proudly displayed in their room.
Both Rosemary and Ben are looking forward to playing soccer again next year.
Soccer seemed to consume our September and October. While practices and games were just two nights a week, they seemed to throw a lot of things off, just because of the time. We managed though and really had a great time. By the end of the season, things were cooling off and it was just wonderful to be outside and visit with friends.
Charlotte did a great job for the most part just hanging out and watching her brother and sister play. Some game days were tougher than others since we had such busy Thursdays. If she didn’t nap, it made for an interesting game!
Rosemary’s on the bench watching her team play.
Jonathan coaching Ben’s team
Rosemary on the field
Jonathan leading his team at half time.
Coaching 5 year olds was pretty interesting.
Ben giving Grandma and Grandpa Peine a thumbs up.
Game times were different this week so Rosemary got to watch Ben’s game.
One of Charlotte’s rougher days. She was less than happy at that moment.
Soccer season kicked into high gear at the beginning of September when games started up on Thursdays. Half of Ben and Rosemary’s games were at the same time and the other half were an hour apart.
Ben is ready!
So is Rosemary. This was her very first soccer game ever and she was as cool as a cucumber.
Rosemary scored two goals during her first game!
Rosemary’s team (unofficially) won. They don’t keep score in Upward…but all the kids knew how they did.
This year, both Rosemary and Ben are playing soccer. Rosemary asked to play this year and since the practices were at the same time, it worked out. Jonathan is coaching Ben’s team, the Hawkeyes, and Rosemary is on team Elite.
The season started out in early August and it was good and hot during the practices.
No shade for the Hawkeyes.
Rosemary’s first ever soccer practice.
Ben wrapped up his soccer season with the Red Raiders towards the end of October.
Daddy and his boy
Ready to play one last game
Watching his team with daddy
Ben and his buddy, Asher. I think it made a huge difference for Ben to already have a friend on his team.
We were a bit sad to see the soccer season come to an end. Ben really had a great time, which was our goal for this. He’s already talking about soccer next year.
