How My Son Stole My Heart With Soccer

As I sit here sipping on my coffee, scrolling through all the photos of my son’s soccer games over the years, it’s hard not to feel a swell of pride in my heart. I remember those early days when he first started playing, how he’d run around the field with this boundless energy, laughing and giggling with his teammates. Even back then, he had this natural talent that caught everyone’s attention. But what struck me most wasn’t just his ability on the field - it was how much joy he found in the game. You could see it in every smile, every high-five to his friends, and every triumphant shout after scoring a goal. I knew right then that soccer was going to be more than just a hobby for him; it was going to be his passion.

Fast-forward to today and watching him play is like seeing a different person altogether. The laughter is still there but now there’s determination etched across his face with every move he makes on that field. His dedication is inspiring - the early morning training sessions before school, the extra hours spent practicing free kicks in our backyard, and those long drives to tournaments on weekends (which always involve me carpooling other team members *laughs*). What amazes me though is how humble he’s stayed through all this success; top scorer in his league last season and now being scouted by colleges already! Sometimes Anonymous , I think back on when we first got him into soccer because he needed something ‘to do after school’… talk about life taking us on an unexpected journey!

But what truly fills my heart is seeing how soccer has shaped him into not just an amazing athlete but an incredible young man. The discipline, perseverance, teamwork - these are lessons that will carry him far beyond any sports career. I see the same kid who once forgot half his gear at home (*smirks*) grow into someone who can confidently lead his team during tough matches or offer encouragement when they lose. Being a mom watching from the sidelines has been one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride but honestly…there’s no place I’d rather be than cheering him on through all these victories big & small.