Soccer Season

Soccer is THE sport of Italy–even though they failed to make it to the 2018 World Cup, which is of course a complete embarrassment to the nation! But neither did the USA so they are in good company. Our kids (I should say boys because girl soccer leagues are scarce) have never had the desire to play soccer. However, that changed this year as Luca was determined to participate in some extra curricular activity with his best friend, Marco. Marco chose a5 soccer and so naturally Luca was ready and willing to finally give soccer a try. It's always more about the people and relationship than the actual thing for him.

Entering the world of soccer for the first time at the middle school level is not easy, but that did not stop or discourage Luca. This particular league of 5-on-5 is supposed to be much more tranquil and less intense in schedule and pressure than a regular size team that automatically forces you to make soccer your family's life. Luca has practice just once a week for an hour and a half at the sports center right down the street. He is able to walk to and from practices which is super convenient. Games are on Saturdays.

Suiting up with the #2 jersey in one of his games early in the season

The one huge disadvantage of A5 is that there are only 4 players and 1 goalie on the field, making it really hard to get any play time when there are 12+ players on your team. Therefore, Luca has not been called to play in the regular season games. And that is when I say "we are surely not in America anymore" because what AYSO team would ever deny any player of any skill level of at least a couple minutes of game play time? The team contains boys born 2004-2006, so the size difference between a 6th grader and 8/9th grader is no comparison and it is unfortunate they could not separate them into two teams/leagues. At this point, I could go on a rant letting my mamma bear out of it's cage, but I won't because that is not the point of this post!

The point is that Luca is improving a lot and having fun! There are a few boys in particular on his team that are very encouraging to him and he so appreciates their affirmation. When there is a non-league game, like the recent tournament for charity Luca suits up and joins his team.

On the holiday of December 8, following a recent snow Jonathan and I bundled up to watch four hours of soccer. It was in the upper 30s when we arrived but it warmed up with some sun. We were still frozen of course, but it was our joy to go and support Luca for the few minutes he played. Everyone loves Luca and he is a good sport who keeps persevering. His team placed 3rd in the tournament. Here's to finishing out the year with a perseverant attitude and continued desire to learn no matter what. Proud of you, buddy!

Team Gymnastics Comp

This is officially Emma's second year in the sport of artistic gymnastics. Last year she was able to establish a good base at her gym and with her coach but the prospect of developing further skills and increasing difficulty was going to be very limited because of what the gym was able to offer. She knew right away at the end of last season that she wanted to seek out a new gym that would really challenge her. When she got word that her coach was moving to Spain it was a no brainer and our search began.

In September she did a trial lesson at a gym that is actually closer to us than her old one and is outfitted with apparatus for vault, bars, high beam and floor. She was thrilled with the gym and the fact that three other girls from her old gym also transferred and were placed together in the Level 1 category. We were happy for Emma, not to mention the fact that we can carpool for the two days a week that attending practices requires.

Emma continues to work hard at the sport and it definitely shows. She even put together a dance routine this summer to exhibit her skills for her visiting grandparents. They loved it and were moved to tears if I remember correctly.

On December 2, Emma participated in her first competition of the year. Her gym is in a higher league than hers was last year so the new girls competed as a team having limited time to develop on all four apparatuses. Emma represented her team on floor.

She was amazing and it was a joy to watch her! Her team ended up placing 7th. The top 7 teams were awarded medals. They were shocked and thrilled and we could not be prouder. Looking forward to future competitions in 2018!