I don’t know about your kids, but mine just finished their soccer season. It was a very big season for us. One kid went up a division, and the other was very excited to learn more about the fundamentals and play a REAL game and not just running around chasing the ball. I was Team Mom for both teams, and if you are not familiar with sports that essentially means I am the Team Manager.
My fall season has been running back and forth between soccer fields, planning practices, arranging snack schedules, designing and purchasing a soccer banner for each team, and helping to run practice and games. We play through AYSO. American Youth Soccer Organization. We really like them because they background check and train every individual that is in contact with your children. Including the team moms. Everyone also goes through a concussion training in order to recognize when a possible concussion has occurred and how to deal with it to protect the children. AYSO is also very interested in the kids HAVING FUN while also learning the fundamentals of a team sport. They also make sure that they kids are interacting, learning good sportsmanship, and learning to organize and follow directions. We have enjoyed playing there immensely.
Now that the season is over I am in the midst of planning end of season parties or banquets. This year we are planning to have fun together as a team and go bowling. I have arranged a party at our local bowling alley, rented shoes for every player, and we will be supplied with unlimited pizza and drinks. This week I am purchasing cupcakes, plates, and napkins, and preparing gifts for our coaches and goodie bags for the team.
As a coach gift this year I purchased black canvas tote bags and had them personalized for each coach. Each of the kids is getting a handmade soccer ornament with a photo of them playing during the year on the front, and a soccer ball on the back. I am also including some squishy light up soccer balls, soccer whistles, and soccer tattoos (and a few pieces of Halloween candy I am attempting to get rid of!) I am also creating special certificates for each player for improving and having a great season. Check them out here if you have a player you want to recognize. Thank you to The Family Shopping Bag for these great printables. They also have baseball, football, and basketball.
Now that soccer season is finally over and the parties are almost ready I will begin focusing on my holiday preparations. Is anyone else a little behind like me? I hope so, I hate to be the only procrastinator.
