Is Soccer Fair? Part 1

The coming of fall can only mean one thing? Football!

After just a few practices Zach and five other four year olds have come together to take a teal jersey as their armor and the Shark as their mascot and unite for the common individual goal of scoring as many goals as possible. In the image to the left, Zach has successfully stolen or "tackled" the ball away from his opponent, and is now on his way to score a goal for the Sharks.

Rules of Engagement: Each team is limited to only three players on the field at a time. Luckily the size of the field is adjusted in proportion to the drastically reduced team size and the average length of the competitors legs. These adjustments due help prevent the playing of "bunch ball," making the match more entertaining.

Unfortunately, with four year olds, maintaining focus for long periods of time is a skill not yet mastered by most. This greatly increases probability that at any given moment 1, 2, or even all 3 of the players may be otherwise occupied and unavailable to perform the immediate tasks of competing in a soccer match.

Upon seeing this picture, starting striker Zach Ellis recalled this play. "When she is throwing it in, you have to yell 'I'm Open!'"

Zach then stated that his teammate did pass him the ball and that he proceeded to score a goal. Although Zach has, on occasion, had a tendency to overstate his goal scoring abilities; I am inclined to believe his version of the story, for at this moment it appears as though the opposition may be otherwise occupied, while Zach appears to be actively engaged.


The picture to the right is another strong goal scoring opportunity.

Though the score isn't kept, and these children have the uncanny ability to forget what they are doing, frequently, it is fun to see them learn and progress in their abilities as each week passes.

In Zach's first game, it was clear that the team as a whole, and individually, was unfamiliar with the concept of defense. After speaking with Zach at halftime and instructing him to get between the ball and the goal, Zach zealously followed my instructions. In the second half, on a break away by the opposing team, Zach raced past the opponent who was dribbling the ball towards his goal. He positioned himself between her and the goal, lowered his center of gravity by bending his knees and leaning forward, extending arms backward. Zach was now in a position similar to that of a middle line backer preparing to flatten a ball carrier.

I cringed at the thought. My careless coaching advice was going to get this girl hurt and Zach banned from the KYSO. I covered my face. I heard the fierce roar of lion just before he pounced on his prey. But then... I hear cheering? clapping? I looked up to see Zach, still in his attack position, still roaring like a mighty lion. However, unphased by his expression of power and the fate that could have awaited her, the opponent had dribbled around Zach and scored the goal.

Tyler, Zach's most loyal fan, was clearly concerned by the turn of events.

Zach's defensive skills have improved significantly since that first game. In the past game he was able to overtake his opponent, stand between the ball and the goal, and either steal, or clear several shots or attempts on goal! Progress!