Soccer, Flowers, and Cartwheels By Author and Contributor Cheri Cameron Newell
When my daughter, Justine, was five years old, she joined an AYSO soccer team. She had great speed and could take the ball and run the length of the field, scoring at will.
She was just as happy picking flowers during the game and doing a few cartwheels.
Her grandma came for a visit to watch one of Justine’s soccer games. Afterward, Justine gave her grandma a big hug.
“Justine, you know how you can take the ball… run down the field… and score?”
“Yeah, Grandma.”
“You should do that all the time.”
“I could, Grandma, but I just really don’t care.”
_____________________________________________
Years later…
Justine playing soccer in college!
This story and photos of Justine were contributed by Susan Moreau.
_______________________________________________________
So that’s what playing with abandon looks like. Playing for the pure joy and fun keeps kids interested! The love of a sport will take them far… even to a college team! I wait and applaud…
