The soccer report.

Turner's first soccer game was September 9th. League rules state that we don't keep score, we can't play with goalies, and all the kids wear the same color uniform. Red. We showed up for the first game to find a sea of six year olds in red jerseys and black shorts scrambling over eight soccer fields. Andy is the assistant coach, so he knew which field and team of red was ours. Thankfully.

Turner scored his team's first goal. Though we didn't "keep" score, Turner knew that his team lost at game's end. He came ready to play and hustled. Because he played goalie so often last season, I forgot how fast he can move when someone shouts to him, RUN. Though we didn't "keep" score, Turner counted goals and was disappointed to have lost.

Dad pep talk.

Throwing the ball into play. One of his teammates was looking at her dad. Another two were nearly across the field closer to the coach. So Turner tossed is across the line and took off with it.

At the end of the game, players from each side shake hands and sit together in front of their coaches. The coach selects one player from the opposing team to win the spirit award, which is meant for a player that hustles, has fun, and is a good teammate. As soon as our coach explained the spirit award, Turner looked over his shoulder at us with a huge smile. But, he did not win the spirit award at his first game. Though he was an exemplary player, and we told him so time and again.

September 17th, Turner did not win the spirit award either. The kid who won it the first week won it at the second game too. By the third game, the coaches discussed who they were selecting before they announced it to the kids. Better plan.

Turner was a great teammate, passing the ball often and helping his teammates make some goals. When one of his teammates fell to the ground, Turner leaned down put a hand on her shoulder and said "You're okay" as he ran by to throw the ball in.

Feet off the ground!