A Journey in Soccer
I didn't have the opportunity to play soccer while growing up, but I loved watching German soccer on ESPN when the network was an odd little cable company living on the US Men's National Volleyball Team and European League Soccer. I learned all the rules from ESPN, including the finer points of the pesky off-sides call. I learned that a corner kick is a dangerous weapon. And I learned that falling and flailing and grabbing the lower leg is the best way to get a foul called on the other team!
I grew to love soccer and eventually spend a semester in college running on the field as part of the practice squad for the University of Arkansas's soccer team. I still have the NCAA eligibility card hiding somewhere in my desk, the closest I ever came to playing real, organized soccer! Signing the card didn't mean I was a talented soccer player, NCAA rules required all participants to give up a year of their collegiate elgibility to be on the field. In my case it meant chasing the talented players as they moved the ball around me with ease.
But graduating from the University somehow took precedence over my non-existent soccer career. Many years later, I am finally getting to play. I am playing masters indoor soccer in the old man's recreational league and co-ed outdoor soccer. If you love the game, outdoor co-ed is a fun way to spend an evening. Both leagues give my children the opportunity to critique my game (since I get to critique theirs).
When time permits I have been known to coach recreational soccer teams. I admit that I sometimes watch Mexican soccer with my children even though we don't speak Spanish. Well, my family does know the most important Spanish soccer word. OK, the only important Spanish soccer word in my house - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAALLLL!
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