Ben-d It Like Beckham

Ben has been playing soccer for 3 years now.

He's finally at a point where he not only likes it but he's pretty good.

And I'm sorry but there is nothing cuter than this kid in his soccer uniform. I mean LOOK AT HIM!

There was one period during the spring of 1st grade where he hated soccer so much I had to literally bribe him to play the complete game. Often he would just walk around the field all mopey. So I would say "Look, if you run, and actually PLAY for the whole game after this we will go to Target for a toy."

I'm not proud of this parenting technique but hey, we do what we have to do! And it wasn't long before I didn't even have to bribe him.

Now he loves practice and likes the games even more. He will tell me beforehand how many goals he's going to score and who they will be dedicated to. "The first one will be for you mom. and then one for Grandpa and then Grandma."

At a game a couple weeks ago, #9 actually made three goals! Although, um, one was for the other team. But we don't talk about that.

I think participating in sports is really good for kids. They don't have to be good... and sometimes they don't even have to like it. But they should understand what it is to be committed to something, what it means to be part of a team and have that team depend on you. Not to mention how fun being a soccer mom is!

In the fall, when they are big 3rd graders, they will actually play with goalies and real scores! GASP! Hopefully Ben can continue to show off his fancy footwork.

Look out David Beckham... this young gun is coming after your title...