I've always hated fish

The Welch family has embarked on a new adventure recently - Premier league soccer. Jackson has played soccer for seven seasons, and he has been coached by Chris every season . . . until now. After this last season of rec. league soccer, we decided that it was time for Jackson to take the leap from "community" soccer to "select" soccer. This basically means no more fun-and-games soccer. The kids on premier (or select) teams are there TO PLAY SOCCER. It is serious. It also means Dad isn't coaching anymore. It was a hard decision, but one we felt would be best for everyone.

After trying out a couple of different select teams, Chris and Jackson decided that DOS Premier league was the best fit. We felt honored that Jackson was invited to join the team. Here he is in his gear, on his way to practice. They have very official looking jerseys, warm -up suits, rain coats and duffel bags. Like I said, it's all very serious.

Jackson's first game was this past Saturday. Let me tell you - I think Jackson, and Chris, and I, were all extremely nervous. This was going to be his big debut on a real, competitive Premier league soccer team. Here he is (all the way on the left) with his teammates, and Coach Johnny (imported all the way from England JUST to coach this team) getting a pep talk before the game starts.

Jackson rode the bench for most of the game. This was something new for all of us. You know how I mentioned up there that I've always hated fish? Well, we've always played community sports, and Jackson has always done very well. He was a big fish in a small pond. Now he is a small fish in a big pond. A minnow in the ocean with a bunch of sharks. Ugh. My heart! This wasn't the only big change. We have played with the same team for YEARS, and all of the team members and their parents have become our close friends. Now we knew no one, and no one knew us. Chris wasn't on the side lines as a coach, but as a Dad. It was all very . . . DIFFERENT. These kids were GOOD, really good - all of them. I had never seen a game like this. I was honestly worried that Jackson might not get to play at all, but then towards the end of the first half we saw him spring up from the bench, and head for the coach. Here he is getting the last minute instructions before entering the game . . . . . we all held our breath . . . . . . well, I did at least.

Now I know this isn't a great picture, but it was a great move. Jackson is the furthest kid in the back, and he's just done a HEADER! That ball that's flying in the air has just bounced off his head! Now - on our old team, this would have earned you a patch. There are no patches here. Your reward is knowing you've done a good soccer move. That's it. No rejoicing - it's business time. Get your head (metaphorically and literally) back in the game.  

We were really glad that Jackson did get some ball handling time. Here he is heading down the field towards our goal. 

WHAT'S THIS???? A member of the other team is challenging him for the ball. Now, this is my last picture because from this moment on I was too busy WATCHING the game to take pictures. Jackson did get it away from this kid - and I'd LOVE to tell you he took the ball and booted it in for a goal that won the game, but this isn't an after school special. The first half of the game was soon over, and Jackson rode the bench for most of the second half too. He did play a bit before the game ended in a tie 1-1. He did a great job, and we were very proud of him. After the game we told him we'd take him out to dinner anywhere he wanted to go to celebrate his introduction to Premier league soccer. He chose The Olive Garden. He did mention on the way to dinner that he had a lot of fun, but didn't get to play very much. We reminded him that these kids have been playing together for years, and the fact that he can jump in there and hold his own with them is really something to be proud of! Way to go little fish. We are very proud of you!