Ryder went to soccer camp last week and had so much fun, that he hasn't stopped talking about it since! The above picture is of Ry standing with his Coach Hannah. All the coaches are here from England, touring around the US all summer putting on Challenger British Soccer camps around our country. We were their first stop and we were SO glad Ryder had the chance to participate thanks to a scholarship through our Parks and Rec Department! Here are some pictures of our boy...
So excited to start!
Being silly while thinking about the game she's describing...
They played a lot of games to get them to run and dribble with the ball...
One of Ryder's favorite's was "What's the time Mr. Fox"...
He really liked being goalie and even had a save on his first day!
He had great ball handling skills for never having played before!
(says his proud mother:)
See what I mean???
More evasive manuevers...
Working hard the WHOLE time!
Chasing down Coach Hannah
So excited about his new soccer ball!
...The Fans...
Cora was happy cheering Ryder on most of the time...
As long as the snacks kept coming!!!
He decided playing with Cora was more fun!!!
See for yourself :)
Every time Ryder came to me during a water break, I tried to interview him and all I got each time was a quiet, tired boy just trying to drink his water and get back in the game. I watch these videos back and think..."Leave him alone! He's focused! Play now, talk later!" Here is a video of just that, and Cole trying to get in on the action...
Here is our budding soccer star holding his letter from Coach Hannah where she told him how much his dribbling had improved over the week and to keep up the great work! Don't worry, he will! On the way home from the last day of soccer camp, he was quietly looking out the window and said..."Mom...I REALLY want to go to soccer camp again next year." Who knows where we'll be, but if we're still in IL, then next year, we'll have more pictures of soccer camp :)
Thank you, Lord for a week of running, kicking, dribbling, goal scoring, laughing and enjoying the legs you gave him to run with...we take none of it for granted, and pray that in any sport he plays in the future, lessons will be learned from it all that will strengthen his character and lead more to YOU through the way he learns to have JOY in the midst of working with a team toward a common goal. We praise You for such an encouraging first glance into the world of sports for Ryder, and how it sparked in him a desire to work hard and practice. May he always run hardest toward YOU through it all. We praise YOU!!!
LOVED every story, picture and video! Way to go Ryder! Keep practicing and you'll be a great soccer player like your Uncle D!
XOX
GREAT camera operator, Danice! It was like we were there watching! What fun to see Ryder's skills, Cole's passion on the sidelines wishing to be "in the mix", and Cora's support throughout it all. Thank you for filling this Grammie's tank with this blog!
Grammie