VIP Soccer Time Again

After much debate, we have enrolled Cameron in VIP Soccer again this year. He loves it and there are way more kids to play with this time around. Unfortunately there are less helpers to go around, but they've split the kids up well and it's working.

The first night they had practice Jake insisted on going with me. As Cameron took off to join the other kids on the field, Jake toddled after him. He knew that we were there so he could play too. Once I grabbed the younger boy and took him to the bleachers, I had some explaining to do. I told Jake that we were there for Cameron, and that once he got older, he could play soccer too. He whined and moped for a while, then he decided to run. Needless to say, that first night, I didn't get to watch Cameron as much as I would have liked.

The second week, I left Jake with Grandma, and went armed with the camera. This year the team wears green, and Cameron is good old number 21. He's one of the older kids on the team, and he knows mostly what he's doing. He even managed to score a goal in their "game." He was VERY proud.

I'm so happy that people in my community have volunteered to put this program together for special needs kids. It makes them feel special and apart of something bigger than themselves. It's WONDERFUL!

Thankful November

Volunteers

Cameron has been playing on the VIP soccer league, and his final "game" was last night. I was really impressed with how much he's improved in the last 5 weeks. The first week he had NO idea what was going on, but he enjoyed playing with the ball and other kids. This week, he followed directions VERY well, and even did some amazing head bumps. SERIOUSLY!! He loved it, and played very well. I know he wouldn't have done as well, without the young kids who volunteered to work with these special little kids.

The kids who helped out, in most cases, weren't much older than the kids playing. They were only 12 or 13, but they were SO patient and caring. I am SO grateful to these young kids who spent their Monday nights helping out. These "helpers" were JUST fabulous, but I am also grateful for the coaches who volunteered to put the league together. It was a fun month and I know that I will always feel a special place in my heart for these amazing people who gave up some time for my little boy's happiness!

VIP Soccer

For a while I've seen papers come home from Cam's school advertising that there is a division of YMCA that is called VIP. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere NEAR coordinated enough to teach this kind of thing, so I could NEVER be a coach, even if I DID have time. VIP is a special league that is set up specifically for kids with special needs. About a month ago, we got a flyer that said they were actually PUTTING IT TOGETHER IN OUR AREA!!! (Can you hear the choirs of angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus?)

Tonight was their first "game." Instead of doing hard-core practicing, they teach these kids the basics at a "game." (A glorified practice, maybe...) Tonight they kicked the balls around, dribbled them a bit, passed them with a more experienced soccer player, and then "played" with the goals. Cameron did pretty well. He has a LOT of power behind his kicks, and had to chase after the ball a lot. BUT at the end, he was the goalie and did a GREAT job with saves.

He was SO proud of himself, and rightfully so. I think they're working their way up to an actual game, but if all they do is practice, I'm okay with it, because Cameron is SO happy and excited for it.

The most amazing part of the practice for me was the help. The coaches and their assistants had SUCH patience. The assistants were the ones that REALLY amazed me, mainly because they were 11 or 12. They weren't much older than the kids playing, but they were so attentive and patient with these kids. They encouraged them, and made them feel like they were each a super star! How wonderful for these kids, both the ones in need and the ones helping.

Here's a few pictures, it was a fun night.

The group practicing...Cameron is blue #5.

Watching the game, we made up our own cheering section.

Dribble, dribble...

Save that GOAL!!!

Proud soccer player!