Soccer!

Stetson had his very first soccer practice today!! He is on an all-boy team named the Dragons, and he couldn't be more excited! His team colors are hunter green and black and he even got to pick out his own number (11 is what he chose).

Practice began with introductions so Stetson could meet Coach Wendell and all his new friends. There are seven boys on the team, all age 5 or 6. It was chilly this evening, but they were all fired up to play together.

After introductions, Coach Wendell introduced the team to "Dribble Island".  Dribble Island is a large square made of cones where they learn their drills and ball control.  Each player finds their spot on the island, but they are not allowed to leave the island, nor is their ball.  

Here is Stetson practicing his "pull back" drill. This is where he puts his foot on top of the ball, pulls it behind him, and turns around to go the opposite direction.

 Dribble Island as seen from afar...

After practicing all their drills, the team played Shark and Minnows.  In this game, one person is designated as the shark (orange shirt) and the shark's job is to kick all the minnows'  fish eggs off Dribble Island.  Once a minnow's fish egg is off the island (whether by the shark or themselves), that person is out of the game.  The last minnow standing becomes the shark in the next game.

Here is Stetson protecting his fish egg from the shark...

And then Stetson became the shark and was out for blood!

After an hour of practice, we were out of daylight so it was time to call it quits.  I think it is pretty safe to say that Stetson LOVES soccer!  We are looking forward to a great season!  Go Dragons!!

P.S....just in case you were wondering, this is what Cassidy was doing during soccer practice.