The R.A.G.E.

Fall Soccer - A first for our family

Alyssa has played soccer since she was in Kindergarten.  She loved it for many years, went through a phase when she wasn't so sure about it and then eventually swung back around to having a "passion" for the game.  A couple of years ago, we learned about the existence of a competitive league.  Since Alyssa is my oldest, there are many things I learn about "after the fact"  This was one of them.  By time we decided it would be a good thing for Alyssa she was too old for the team here in Saratoga Springs.  So we did what we always did and signed up for the city league.

We then learned of another opportunity for a team in Lehi and tryouts were this past June.  Alyssa was psyched and determined to play.  Tryouts turned out to be a joke.  Players were already chosen by "who you know" and so forth.  Alyssa was  heartbroken.  Needless to say, it was a rough time for her having to "give up on her dream".

I have tried to teach Alyssa that there are many times in life when we are disappointed and don't get what we want.  I also tried to teach her that The Lord has an understanding of each of us and knows what is best.  That He will bless us in ways that we don't always understand.

That very thing happened to Alyssa.  An incredible opportunity came to Alyssa to be a part of a new team right here in Saratoga Springs.  She got on the team without difficulty, knew many of the girls beforehand, and our home field is Westlake High School.  They have an excellent coach that has played professionally and is a woman that knows and understands girls.  Overall we couldn't have asked for a better situation.

They worked their butts off this summer getting in shape and learning to play as a team.  We have some disadvantages because we are a new team that will play teams that have been together for many years.  It is going to be a rough year but provide a lot of opportunity to play and grow.  This is exactly what Alyssa needs.  She hopes to play for the high school someday and maybe even BYU.  This will be the first stepping stone.

 

So the team played their first game on a gorgeous morning.  They came together and even though they lost, it felt like a triumph.

Alyssa is having a great time and that is the most important thing.  It is fun to watch the games since they are certainly on a different skill level.  It should be a fun season.