Confessions of a New Soccer Mom
I never played soccer as a kid. However, I was traumatized by being picked last for nearly every sport, so it is my sacred duty to be sure my kids never experience that. Thus, I’ve enrolled my six-year-old son in baseball and soccer. My husband, bless him, took the boy shopping for shin guards and other necessities.
Me? I know nothing about shin guards. They um..protect your shins? They come in all different brands and prices, and you cover them with socks. That’s about all I can figure. So yesterday, when my husband sent me back to the store to return a pair of shin guards that didn’t fit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the equipment, needless to say.
The boy needed a new pair of soccer shorts and hubby told me to buy Umbros, in a size larger. I could not find that brand to save my life. So I opted to use my store credit (incidentally–new pet peeve. The credit card companies, in their quest to protect your card, are issuing cards to spouses with different numbers. It means you can’t return things to the store for your spouse and have it credited back to the card. Pain. In. The. Tuckus.)
But, I digress. I had a card of store credit and not a thing to spend it on. So I thought–hey! Soccer socks! How hard can that be? I don’t want to be washing those mammoth-sized socks every day (since he has practice and games 3 times a week).
They had pink. And red. And royal blue socks. Which might not have been so bad, except his team shirt is red. Kinda clashes. So I dug around and finally found black, hidden among the adult socks. When I got home, I mentioned my purchase to my husband, and he responded, “Oh, those. I didn’t like the socks they had there.”
You mean, there are regulations for socks now? Plain black socks won’t work?
I have much to learn, clearly.
Do any of you have kids who play soccer? Or did you play soccer as a kid? Anything else I should know about? 
Incidentally, Her Warrior Slave is on sale now! 
I’m stoked!
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:36 am | Viewed 1402 times
Suzanne Says:
The socks are part of the uniform, so you have to have the same color socks as everyone else. The coach should be able to tell you what color socks they want. I can’t stand soccer–least favorite sport my kids have played to me. I’m glad they don’t play it anymore!
beth Says:
Well…at least I know what I have to look forward to in the future. (I’m with you - having spent my life being picked last, I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that the little one has some kind of ability. Might not solve the picked last phenomenon, but at least he’ll be able to hold his own once he does get picked.)
And my book is now winging its way toward me. Yay!
Kacey Says:
I miss going to the boys’ sports games. Kind of
We had every color soccer sox in the world. The kids didn’t care if they didn’t match at practice, as long as they had the right color for the game.
Have you taken him out shopping for a cup yet? That’s always fun…
Melissa Mc Says:
My two youngest play. My oldest played for a couple of years so I’ve been a soccer mom since 2003. For our league, even the Kers, they tell you what colors to buy so you just can’t pick any socks. A lot of the stores around here have very reasonably priced packages to get you started. Saves a lot of money than buying everything individually.
Something I learned is that there are two sizes of ball. Until 8, they use a size 3. Once they turn 8 they use a size 4!
The only thing a soccer mom needs to remember is the snack when it’s your turn. That’s the kids’ fave part! Well part since they also get fruit at half-time!
Rene Says:
I am a major soccer mom. All three of my kids play or played soccer.
In our AYSO region the uniform comes with socks, so it was never a worry. For practice, you can use baseball socks, my kids do. You are going to get hit with snacks. For half time, a good snack is frozen grapes.
This season has been my favorite season so far because my 8 year old daughter is on a kick butt team and she has been on fire on the fiel. Little kid soccer is cute the first year, torturous the second. The next level isn’t much better but once they get into a competitive division its awesome.
Oddly enough, I don’t care for soccer, but I’m starting to enjoy it now with my daughter. The downside, however, is if her team is as good as we think, we could have a soccer season that lasts well into the spring.
Michelle Willingham Says:
This is six-year-old soccer, and it’s the first time they even had shirts. I’m not sure what the deal is with the socks. Haven’t heard anything.
Beth–cool!!
Hope you like it!
Kacey–I am soooo letting his father take him cup shopping. Not. Going. There.
Melissa Mc–I’ve noticed that snacks seem to be a big deal. I never really could figure out why they did snacks after baseball games, when the kids went straight home for dinner.
Rene–I love the idea of frozen grapes! Healthy and kinda cool, too.
Amy Says:
I am a re-Soocer Mom. 14 played in K-2, but then we switched to gymnastics. Now, 9 is playing.
Much of outdoor soccer takes place in the rain (except in perpetually sunny locales). Bring a stadium chair and a big golf umbrella. Dress warm. Take video. Don’t try to coach from the sidelines. Remember the snack when you’re the snack mom. Be respectful of food allergies. Play nice with the other parents.
Have fun!
Fedora Says:
My oldest is not into team sports, so after a brief stint with basketball in kindergarten (I have to say that watching a bunch of five-year-olds trying to play is extremely entertaining
), he’s refused to try soccer and softball (whew!). Our second has refused the opportunity for now, too, so we’ll see… I didn’t grow up playing team sports myself (which meant PE was just an awful experience) but want my kids to have the chance if they want to do it. Good luck!
Stacy Dawn Says:
LOL! I’m a new baseball mom and I KNOW what you are talking about LOL. But it really is fun to watch the younger ones who have no clue and would rather play in the dirt than catch a ball LOL
mary beth Says:
lol,Michelle. DD played soccer and had a lot of fun. Watchcing the games was fun too. Not so much fun was how harsh some of the parents were to their kids.