First Soccer lessons

This month I started taking Kirra and Liam to a toddler soccer class run by a company called SoccerTots. It isnt a league where the kids are part of a team playing by the rules in scoring goals against another team. Instead SoccerTots groups the kids by age and they learn how to follow instructions, practice movement and coordination, kick the ball, run, all while having fun.

Liams class requires parent participation because at only 2.5-3 kids are still learning how to listen and follow instructions. I witnessed this when Liam's shyness toward strangers prevented him from doing the opening stretches or movements. He clung to me and would only allow me to engage with him.

Kirra was all on her own in the class for 4-4.5 yr olds. I looked over at her from time to time during the 45 min class and I was seriously impressed at how well she was following the class drills, the instructions from the coaches, participating in songs and repeating on cue. The age readiness really shows and it makes sense why no parents ate needed in that class. By the end of Kirra's class I saw her complete two obstacle course runs, ending with a kick of a soccer ball into the kiddie goal. Liam and I cheered her on. What a great tram player - getting along fine with her new peers and high giving her coaches. What bravery she possesses. Not even I was like that at her age. But being the youngest I remember always relying on my siblings or mom to broker relationships and act or speak on my behalf. How sheltered I was!

Here are great memorable moments of their first soccer practice . Kirra is even wearing shin guards under her new cleats!