How Old Are
Your Soccer Players?
| Kindergarten and First-Grade (Ages
5 and 6) - I tire quickly, but I recover just as quickly. - The ball belongs to me. It's mine because I can see it. Unfortunately, my teammates see it also, so we'll all be within 5 feet of the ball within 15 seconds. - I need lots of praise, because I get my feelings hurt easily. - I can only keep one thing in my head at a time. If you tell me to throw the ball, I won't remember to keep my feet on the ground. - You can ask, shout, plead, or yell, but I will not pass the ball to another person. You may call it a game of 3v3, but I see it as 1v5. - I need your help tying my shoelaces. In fact, if you're really nice, I'll let you tie my shoes every day. - What do you mean, I can't use my hands? If the ball comes to me, I'm going to pick it up and run with it. - If it's not fun, I won't do it for long. - "Who won?" |
| Second Grade (Ages 6 and 7) - Be nice to me, because if you say something harsh, I'll remember it for a long time. - As far as I'm concerned, if I ran hard, jumped as high as I could, and came back tired, I did great. - Everything is here, now. I'll go at full speed until I tire myself out. - I am susceptible to distractions. In particular, the gopher sticking his head out of the ground, a new puppy, a helicopter flying overhead, or a mud puddle with worms in it will do it. - I love being on a team. Can I wear my uniform to bed? |
| Third and Fourth Grade (Ages 7 and
8) - I have become a sponge. Please teach me a lot of things. - But, don't talk too long. I still can only pay attention for about 30 seconds. - I'm getting "The Idea". I'm starting to understand simple tactics, and I can pass the ball to another teammate on purpose. - I am influenced by my peers. I don't want to be too different. - I hope my parents don't embarrass me at the game by yelling. I think I'll ignore them. - I definitely don't like members of the opposite gender. |
| Fifth and Sixth Grade (Ages 9 and
10) - I'm can really learn things, now. And, I can remember them for a short time, anyway. I need lots of repetition. - I hope you're a good role model, because I spend more time with you than I do with my parent. - If you tell me I'm great, I'll believe it. If you tell me my nose is big, I'll look at it in the mirror for the rest of my life. - I love to play soccer. But, I'll try as little as you'll let me. And, I am unlikely to practice at home. - I can make myself do things, such as sprinting at practice, that you demand of me, but I don't have to like them. |