As most of you know I started coaching (actually assistant coaching) my 4 year old nephews soccer team last week.  Let me tell you, it has been an absolute blast.  I played soccer from the age of 4 until I broke my ankle at the age of 26.  It was something that I was always extremely passionate about, but after the broken ankle I realized I couldn't keep up quite like I used to :).  Anyways by coaching my nephew it helps me get back into the game I spent the majority of my life loving, and it is great to see him become just as passionate about it as the rest of my family is.  Sometimes he gets a little too passionate (ie, crying when the ball gets taken away from him.)

So last week was our first practice and I thought wow, what have I gotten myself into?  What am I thinking, thinking I could keep 4 year olds occupied for an hour straight.  It defnitely was interesting, but I LOVE my team!  I couldn't have asked for a more fun group of kids!  It is coed team, and I am not going to lie, the girls can definitely kick some butt!  I love it!

Here are some interesting tidbits I picked up from our first practice...

-Parents be sure to tell your kids to turn their ears on..or at least that is what one of my players told me..."Wow Maggie are you are a great listener!"  "I know Coach Katie, that is because my mom told me to turn my ears on!"

- Sometimes the kids need a water break just to give their moms a hug- true story.

-Once one kid announces he/she have to go to the bathroom- THEY ALL DO.

The second practice was definitely a learning experience as well, but this time we focused more on the basics...

-You must remind the kids which way they are supposed to run.  They don't care whose goal they are kicking it into.  They just want to score.  They will not care if they are scoring on themselves.

-You have to tell the kids when they are out of bounds- they will keep going, until you tell them to stop.  Of course you have to yell their name at least five times before they hear you.

-No matter what the score was, you always tie. 

-You can get the kids to listen, as long as you remind them their is a snack at the end of the game. 

I know I will be picking up much more tips along the way, which I will be sure to share with you as well.  I now have a new reason to love Tuesdays- Game day!  Would it be too much to wear my jersey to work every Tuesday?  A little too far??