It was a frustrating soccer game for Ally last night. First, it was wet and cold. Second, have you seen that movie with Will Ferrell about the soccer coaching? Well, the little pink panthers were up against a coach like Will Ferrell's dad last night. This league is a recreational league and Ally's group is ages 6-8. They are simply learning the very basics of soccer like learning to pass, dribble and score. The pink panthers have done well with all those things and the games have been fun. However...



The team they played last night practices double what the other teams do (and double the league guidelines), the coach wore a uniform (yes-at first I laughed at him), he carried a whistle (yes-I laughed again), and he taught the girls to pass and dribble very well. But he also has taught them to push, shove, kick, tease, brag, and say the other team is stupid and lazy. I couldn't believe it. It was all Andy could do to not loose it and I don't blame him. So, after the game one of the other team parents came over and tried to talk to our parents stating that although this other team played tough-they were following soccer rules. They didn't know who they were talking to...



Andy very calmly yet firmly explained the rules of soccer having played it himself for over 8 years in competitive leagues in Seattle. After some back and forth, the parent walked away with a little more information and maybe a bit of doubt of what his daughter had learned this year. Andy explained that the coach was teaching them to foul and that most of the goals would have been called back. I was really proud that he was able to hold his cool in that tough situation.



Ally learned how competitive people can get. We talked on the way home about whether it is okay to win at all costs. She decided that while she likes winning--she never would play outside the rules and would rather have friends than have to win all the time.



Oh well. Above are some photos I took at a different, happier game. (With my cool new camera!!) Enjoy!!