Isaac's Soccer

First Soccer Practice

Gabe and I have never gravitated towards team sports for our young children. Repelled might be a better description. We are turned off by the seriousness of how some children's team sports are taken. The numerous practices and games a week, even on Sunday. For one, we don't want our life to be sucked into the team sports black hole. We have enough on our plate as it is. Second, we didn't want to put our child on a team that took things too seriously. It is just a game and they are just kids.

With that said, Isaac is now on a soccer team. Contradicting you might think, but let me explain. Isaac struggles with confidence. It is not that he is unable to do certain things, it is simply that he is so much of a perfectionist that he fights even trying something new for fear of failure. I heard about Upward Sports from a friend of mine, and after doing a little research we decided this might be a really good thing for Isaac.

Mid-practice they stop for a devotional and that week's memory verse

Upward sports is a Christian ministry. We are apart of the ministry from Community Bible Church. The teams are kept small, each player gets equal playing time, there is only one practice and one game a week, they pray with the kids, and there is scripture memory every week. They don't even keep score at a game and at this age I think that is great. The coaches are very encouraging, supportive, and compassionate with these kids. So far it has been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend Upward sports.

Kneeling mid-field with teammates for prayer before the game started. How AWESOME is that?

Our goal for Isaac joining this soccer team was to help build his confidence, allow him the opportunity to try something new, learn self-discipline, conquer his fear of failure, meet new friends, and submit to the godly leadership of his coaches. We are only two weeks in and we have already seen wonderful things happening for Isaac.

He was beaming! Look at that smile!!

I was a little anxious taking Isaac to his first game last week. He tends to get excited about something new and then bolt for the door when he actually has to "perform". Gabe was not there, so I was on my own with 3 children wondering how Isaac would handle this situation. I was so impressed and relieved when he had not one ounce of anxiety, fear, or nervousness. He joined his team, played in his game, cheered everyone on, and smiled the whole time. I was so proud of him. I don't even know how many goals were scored and I don't care. My boy conquered a fear and that makes him the victor in my book.

Isaac and his team the Lil' Archers