He Shoots! He Scores!

Well, he did it. Edward finally started playing his beloved football (read: soccer).

He's talked of nothing else since we signed him up last Spring. He talked of nothing else ALL DAY yesterday.

So last night at 6:15, we arrived, Edward decked out in soccer gear, at the playing field, and he began...

...to cry.

That's fairly standard for Edward. He's so incredibly shy. And no one held it against him (the emotions were shortlived). After all, he's only 6.

The coaches -- all three of them -- encouraged him -- along with Stuart -- to join everyone on the field for a chat about the game, and then the action began.

They played lots of little games to learn the moves and build teamwork and confidence. Edward's smile grew bigger with each activity.

Then they played a "game" against the coaches -- and each other.

The coaches describe kids at this age playing soccer as amoebas. They bunch together and all try to take the ball to the goal.

Still, they had fun -- as evidenced by Edward's huge grin and sweaty face at the end -- and that was what it was all about!

Next stop...dance class...