Ok, so maybe they aren't exactly stars, but the name sounded good; and we are sure proud of them. :) The kids were recently able to join a little soccer team that practices on the weekends. When I say "little", it is because even if you consider all the age divisions, they wouldn't be able to field a team of their own. However, there are several other groups in the same boat across our provincial region, so they all get together to make up a team for every division. Which means...the kids didn't get to meet most of their teammates until the day of the tournament!
Their first tournament was on Friday, and here are the excited players before their big games. Our 3 plus our neighbors 2 - our two families have become great friends and hang out a lot together.
Mikayla ended up being the only girl out there in her division - for any of the teams! Even though she was outnumbered, she did great out there! She started both games, and she ended up playing the whole game for the final game since the coach didn't want to take her out (and, yes, I am a proud mom! :) )This is Mikayla's team
Look at all those boys - go Kayla!
She was aggressive and played her position well - especially considering it was her first game.
They did a little team cheer before and after the games - "Viva la Virgen" in honor of Mary. Yes, we live in a Catholic country. O well, makes for good family discussions as we talk it through.
There didn't end up being any other teams for the "under 6" division, but we happen to have a bunch of those, so they just split our team up and had a scrimmage. Ben's team lost, but he scored a goal and was pretty excited that they all got a medal since really, they were all on the same team.
Go, Benjay!
Zach got to be the team captain for his team, and he was more than a little excited. He played very well, and he scored a goal too. 
We are so thankful that the kids are able to make friends and take part in something like this. Sure, it is not as professional or organized as programs in a city or something, but the kids are having a blast, and that is what counts! Their next 2 tournaments will be in Manila - not sure how that will go since we will be competing against organized teams that actually practice together, but we will give it our best shot! :)
Look at all those boys - go Kayla!
She was aggressive and played her position well - especially considering it was her first game.
They did a little team cheer before and after the games - "Viva la Virgen" in honor of Mary. Yes, we live in a Catholic country. O well, makes for good family discussions as we talk it through.
There didn't end up being any other teams for the "under 6" division, but we happen to have a bunch of those, so they just split our team up and had a scrimmage. Ben's team lost, but he scored a goal and was pretty excited that they all got a medal since really, they were all on the same team.
Go, Benjay!
Zach got to be the team captain for his team, and he was more than a little excited. He played very well, and he scored a goal too. This girl he is sparring off with here was a firecracker and an excellent player. Even though she was on the other team, it was fun to watch her.
GOAL!
Zach's team ended up winning the tournament for their division! They were pretty excited about both the medals and the trophy - which is has been determined will stay in the garage between our house and our neighbor's house - that is their little girl Zach is cozied up to. :)
We are so thankful that the kids are able to make friends and take part in something like this. Sure, it is not as professional or organized as programs in a city or something, but the kids are having a blast, and that is what counts! Their next 2 tournaments will be in Manila - not sure how that will go since we will be competing against organized teams that actually practice together, but we will give it our best shot! :)
