Post contains Amazon affiliate links from my influencer page. Shout out to Coach Craig for agreeing to be a part of this post!
See that photo up there? That’s my pride and joy making fun of me last weekend when I basically got hit with the ball on the sidelines. Soccer life right? It’s funny – I always told myself “Oh I’ll never become a soccer mom” and yet here we are. Three seasons in and my Thursdays and Saturdays consist of me running around the house like a damn crazy person basically saying the same thing. “Put your cleats on!”, “Where is your water bottle?”, “Let’s go – we need to leave early so we can stop for coffee!” (LOL) And Rylan? Super nonchalant while I’m rummaging through dresser drawers and closets trying to remember if I washed his uniform from the week before.
It’s not all bad though – I promise. Joining soccer actually helped Rylan in more ways than one, including his confidence, learning how to work as a team and being a little aggressive when he needed to be. Our family was going through some super tough stuff and it was my number one priority to keep him (and me) busy in any way I could. The kid had never kicked a ball or ran across a field a day in his life. He was 6 when I signed him up for the 2017 Spring season. I remember heading to our first practice, looking at Craig and saying “Good freaking luck!”. I love my kid to DEATH but that first season was a nightmare. The whole experience was still so new to him – he didn’t know what the heck was going on, what to do or where to go. I thought for sure he wasn’t going to want to finish out the season, but he did and begged me to sign him up for the 2017 Fall season.
By the Fall, he was a total rockstar! His confidence level was through the roof and was scoring goals left and right. To see him get so excited on that field melted my heart and made me so damn proud that he stuck it out during the first season. I know for a fact that the reason he was doing so well was because of his coach and the impact he had then and now in his life. If you have an amazing coach, your kid is absolutely going to want to stick it out no matter what the sport is. Rylan is extremely lucky to have Coach Craig in his life. They have a really great bond and he’s a fantastic role model. Plus he has the patience of a saint. Could I handle a bunch of 7 and 8 year-olds all doing Fort Nite dances on the field and constantly talking? Hell no. He leads by example, he teaches, he has a passion for the game, he motivates every single one of those kids on the field and high fives every single one of his players even if they miss a goal.
“A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life”
And that’s exactly what he’s done for Rylan. So step 1 to surviving Soccer? A coach who treats your child as if he were his own. Who is there to teach your kids about working hard, teamwork & building character. One who doesn’t’ scold at them on the field for making a minor mistake, for wanting to kick around the ball and play so hard with them that you fall down and your players run to help you up all while still laughing. (I have photo evidence of this) and giving your child the confidence he or she needs to get through tough times and life.
Rylan’s Survival Guide Checklist: (These pink links are all clickable!)
Soccer Ball: It’s super important to make sure your child is using the correct size ball for his age group. If you’re not sure – ask your coach!
Practice & Game Uniform: Jersey (You will get this from your coach), Shorts, Underwear (you think I’m joking? You absolutely have to ask your 7-year-old if he has underwear on – trust me)
Shin Guards: Rylan likes to use the slip on ones – SO much easier to get on & off
Socks: We usually get one black pair per season, but I always like to stock up and have extras on hand so I can do less laundry.
Cleats: Rylan wants anything Messi related and these cleats were number 1 on his list. How cool is the gold & orange together?!
Soccer Bag: We prefer a drawstring bag – It’s the perfect size to hold his soccer ball & water bottle
Water Bottle: Make sure their water or drink is ice cold – especially when playing in the hot sun!
Sunscreen: We always apply to the face, back of the neck, arms and legs right before leaving the house.
Chair: Pretty obvious – but if you’re on the sidelines you absolutely need a chair you can carry! (And maybe someone to carry it for you) These fit perfectly in my trunk and basically stay there for the entire season.
Sunglasses: That sun is HOT! I don’t go anywhere without sunglasses, so the soccer field is no exception!
Iced Coffee: Hi have we met? We leave the house 20 minutes early so I can run to Dunkin. And splurge on your coach too if they drink it – they are always appreciative!
SHOP OUR MUST HAVES:
Post contains Amazon affiliate links from my influencer page. All opinions are my own
What a great post! Rylan is lucky to have found a coach who he can learn from and have fun at the same time. Even though I’m not a soccer Mom, I’m a soccer grandma I’m getting those ray bans just because. Lol.
I love your guy’s hair, and love that he has an awesome coach to look up to!
All those things are definitely mandatory. Great post.
his coach is hot