Soccered in the face

I signed her up and paid dues back in June so it was going to be any day now that they would start practice. I got a call this past weekend from the coach telling me the time and place of practice.

Great we are all ready to go right, this is awesome five years old first year in soccer a game she just loves. I am really excited.

I show up to practice 5 mins early as I always like to be early, I do not like to miss any announcements or important information.

I stand with many other parents and a fairly large group of 4 & 5 years olds. I stand there for 20 mins give or take some and met a couple parents which was wonderful. One of the parents I met happens to be on the same team as my daughter and I, it was also her daughters first year to play.

So here we are two new parents to the world of little tykes soccer. I am sure you noticed that I have not mentioned meeting the coach, maybe that's because I didn't meet her in a decent amount of time.

The other parent I spoke with was kind enough to find out who our coach was and where she was. Well she was pretty much seemed to be hiding in the corner, maybe that's because that's where the shade was.

So we walk over there and then I found out who the coach was and then was informed that we wouldn't be practicing today.

Wait a minute this is soccer and this is the date time and place you said we would have our first practice.

Then I was informed the reason why we can not have soccer is due to not having chin guards, which is good but still if I had been told this when I had received the first phone call then we could have practiced.

Ok so I think everyone knows by now that I am not good sportsman when I am left in the dark. When I signed my daughter up for soccer I asked if they needed coaches because I like to help, be involved and know what is going on. I was told that they had a good amount of coaches. Honestly I was a bit relieved to hear that.

So they have coaches but what I have found was that these coaches have not stepped up to the plate and made sure they know who is in their team and whom the parents are.

This has not only happened with soccer but also with cheerleading.

It is extremely frustrating at how my children and I are being treated. I have recently moved to this town and I am finding out that if you were not born here you will never be informed correctly and adequately.

I might be going overboard but honestly when you have a group of people that already knows the ropes it only takes one to step up and help those that are new. Sometimes it only takes one person to ask, "who you looking for?" or "can I help you" What has happened to those days where everyone was welcomed?

I truly hope that my experiences do not hinder another from joining either of these sports, as that is not what I would like. But what I would like is for people to step away from those they grew up with, the groups they have formed and just reach out a hand of kindness and helpfulness.

Life is too short to not stop and help another person.