Ryan’s First Year in Soccer



After many years of not being interested in any sport, Ryan decided this would be the year to play soccer.  He signed up for the Green Bay Strikers.  He even prayed that God would put him on his good friend Joey’s team, but that was not God’s plan.  Instead he ended up on the Grey Wolves team.  

 At first we were worried on how the year would turn out.  We waited and waited to find out the soccer schedule and finally started practicing the week before games started. While communication was weak on our team, the talents for coaching was very strong.  The team coaches took a group of 14 boys that were 8 and 9 and taught them to play together.  It was a team goal to work together and to not let any one player be the star.  It was about being good sports and teamwork.  This lesson was very important and together they played very well.  In fact, so well that they won every one of their games including the three this weekend at soccer fest.




As we entered this last weekend of games, we realized that Ryan had begun to blossom as a soccer player.  He went from playing on the sidelines, to cheering for his team when he was on the side.  He changed from being timid about the ball to jumping in front of it with all he had.  The only thing missing from a perfect season was his first goal. 



Ryan's new hair style after the halftime drenching!

Saturday came and Ryan played well, but did not  score.  There had been many times that he was close but just could not get it in the goal.  Sunday arrived with our last two games.  We were in the final quarter of our first game of the morning and the score was 8-3.  The ball was down by the Red’s goal.  The goalie deflected the ball and it came to Ryan.  Ryan kicked the ball and it slowly rolled into the goal.  Ryan’s first point had been scored!


Ryan throws in the ball


The Grey Wolves won their last game this afternoon 9-0.  Even in their last game they continued to work as a team.  This year was a special year for Ryan.  It may be the only time in his life that he plays on an undefeated team.  But more than that Ryan laid a good foundation for soccer and he learned the importance of team work!
Cooling Down at the end of the last game

The coach calls Ryan up as one of the most improved players

Ryan gets his trophy for playing this year


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