Our town has a great soccer program for girls ages 2-11. Amanda was enrolled in it last year, but we weren't sure if she really enjoyed it enough to sign up again this year. However, one of her best friends re-enrolled and invited Amanda to attend a session with her today.
Katelynn and Amanda The goal of Hot Shots?
"To build girls' self-esteem, athletic skills, and sense of belonging in a supportive, fun-filled, non-competitive environment while providing parents a rare opportunity to play, learn and bond with their daughter."
Girls and their parents meet in the middle school gymnasium to learn the basics of soccer through fun games and activities. Parachutes, stuffed animals and various other props are used to teach skills such as dribbling and throw ins. Women from an area college's soccer team are also present to serve as role models and assistants.
At the beginning and end of each Hot Shots session, the girls sing the Hot Shots song and afterward the coach introduces some of the girls. Using a microphone, he interviews them, learning about their favorite things and shouting our their names.
The introductions have always been the highlight of the program for Amanda. After all, how could it get any better for someone who loves being the center of attention?
Today when the coach asked for volunteers to come up to be introduced, Amanda's hand shot up in the air. Here she is being interviewed by Coach John.
Favorite food? Avocado.
Favorite animal? Zebra.
Favorite color? Pink.
As for the soccer skills, she did much better this year - despite the coach's involved instructions. I admit that I sometimes found myself watching other parents to figure what exactly we were supposed to be doing!
From beginning to end, each weekly session lasts one hour. That's a pretty long time for a 3 1/2 year old to stay focused and follow instructions. At one point, Amanda was doing pirouettes while stray soccer balls whizzed past her. I really think we need to get her into ballet.
Although we have made a tentative agreement to try Hot Shots again next year, when Eva is 2 and it can be a Sunday family activity. Time will tell.
1 comment:
I played soccer when I was in the 4th or 5th grade. Our team never won a game, and I was the only person to even score a goal, on our last game! But, we had a blast.
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