Soccer Camp

In preparation for soccer season, which practices start on the first day of school for Camden, Shane put the boys in a soccer camp to help them get back in the swing of things. The camp was at Uscore and was the same camp Camden attended last year. Prior to arriving to the camp, both boys were excited to go.

However, when we arrived first thing Monday morning, Casen started melting. He was crying and was refusing to participate. Shane, as well as many coaches, talked to him and tried to encourage him to participate. Despite my better judgement, I even talked to him - all to no avail. We took his iPad away with the understanding that when he participated as he was asked to do by his parents, he could regain his iPad. Tuesday rolled around and about 45 minutes into the 2 1/2 hour camp, he finally decided to participate. And low and behold, he was having a ball.

Pretty much this look on Casen is what
we experienced a good part of the week

All the while, Camden was having fun and enjoying the camp. Wednesday was great for both boys, as was Thursday, until the last 30 minutes or so of camp. The reason being was that today was the World Cup for the camp. Yesterday, the coaches wanted to move both boys up as they were playing awesome and needed a few extra players to make things even. Casen started melting and pretty much refused. Camden was anxious and it was obvious by his body language he was not thrilled, however he did it. While they practiced the last 30 minutes of the camp, it was obvious Camden was not giving 100% and was acting shy and timid.

Once we got the boys home, Camden admitted he didn't want to play up as he was scared because the boys were bigger. After much encouragement and a little persuading, on Friday he did much better, aside from injuring his ankle and having to sit out for a bit. Casen played great as well.

After the World Cup, they passed out awards. Each coach picked a player from their team ( to receive the Pace Award - which basically is an award for the person who has played well, had a great attitude, arrived on time and had done what the coaches asked all week. Camden has been working all week for this award and his hard work paid off. Yay!!! We are very proud of him - when he has a goal that boy sets his mind to it. We are hoping that it was a learning experience for Casen that he too could have possibly earned an award as well had he not acted the way he did the first several days.

Camden receiving his trophy

 

I think we are now ready for soccer to begin. We are looking forward to a great season with the Dynamos PDF league for Camden and Future Stars for Casen.