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Play!
My athletic abilities peaked in high school where I played offense on a field hockey team that, I don't believe, won a game in four years. (I was called "animal" by one team, however, because basically all I could do well was plow through people).
I signed up for one race in college where I was the very last person to make it to the finish line. (In my defense, maybe only a couple of dozen other people ran it and they were all very fit).
But my three-year-old daughter seems to be more athletically inclined. She has created her own game where we "fight" for the soccer ball. Basically, she tries to take it away from me. And she does — even when I'm actually trying to keep it.
She can hit a T-ball across the yard. And she loves to watch the kids at the local schools playing soccer or lacrosse.
So I'm beginning to leaf through the Raleigh parks and rec booklet, looking at all the sports teams for preschoolers. At a yard sale last weekend, I picked up a silky, light blue youth soccer outfit for sale. It was priced at $1. The mom said she bought it new for $80.
Eighty bucks? Three-year-old kids, if they have to wear something other than those mesh vests I once put on in gym class, should be wearing matching T-shirts. Nothing more. (Well - other than shorts or whatever).
I'm glad there are lots of other opportunities for less costly youth sports pursuits in the area. (See our new and expanded list of Triangle-area recreational sports programs for kids and adults thanks to our sister site, triangle.com).
I'm not sure I'm ready to set aside my Saturday mornings for soccer, lacrosse or any other sport yet.
But, after hearing about her trips to the local school with her dad to watch games, I know that she may be ready before I am.
All early signs indicate that early morning practices, away games and cleats may soon be in my future.
Every Thursday, a rotating group of writers offers information about activities, experiments and youth sports on TriangleMom2Mom.
Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:
MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!
WEEKEND: Relax!
Comments
We didn't have field hockey in New Orleans. I always thought that would be a fun one. We've got some fun sports things going on for the boys this summer. However, I have to tell ya, during the school year, we play and do a lot as a family and it's wonderful. Treasured times. Rather than running from field-to-field, game-to-game. Fortunately, I was offered many sports and private lessons. Honestly, they all started about middle school. Except for piano, that was early and lasted until college. Enjoy your time with her. She'll be out there soon enough. right! ;)
Warmly,
Carolina Mama