This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/POWERADE.
Growing up, I was never really the athletic type nor was I really that into watching sports. Where I grew up in the Midwest (for the later part of my youth), Soccer was not all that common and never in a million years did I ever think one of mine would be a soccer athlete. However, my son Micheal is quite the soccer athlete — and he’s really amazing at it as well! But, seriously, no one ever prepared me for to be a soccer mom!
5 Things You Should Know About Being A Soccer Mom
Your Life Revolves Around Soccer
Seriously. They tried to warn me, but you will have practices, games, soccer tournaments, and clinics almost all year round. I love every minute of it and so does Michael, but I have a feeling his sisters aren’t as excited about the schedule.
The Team Becomes Family
It is amazing how fast young athletes form together to make friendships, how the moms bond on the sideline, and how other siblings are quick to make friends with each other. Cookouts happen at soccer tournaments and moms work together to make sure all the athletes make practices and games. Plus you save each other when one athlete forget his socks (because, of course, you packed an extra pair!).
Your Family Vehicle Becomes A Soccer Mobile
When we upgraded our mini-van this past November, the first thing out of Michael’s mouth was “Look at all that room for my soccer gear.” The girls’ concern was if there would be DVD players for watching movies at practices and during road trips to games! We live in our van some weeks because of the schedule and there are constantly soccer balls, ice packs, food, and cleats tossed around in the van.
The Laundry
You would think this would be a complete duh moment, but, really, I hadn’t done the math before he started playing. He can’t re-wear practice clothes when they are soaked in mud and rain (thank you Washington!) and same goes with game day clothes. With the level he plays at, there is a uniform for practice and a uniform for the games, plus two sets different colors he has to have at each game. I really underestimated the power of a stain treatment and amount of clothes a boy can go through.
You Realize You Are *That* Mom
You are that mom that never stops talking about her soccer athlete’s accomplishments, finding new places for him to play, training with him for the upcoming game, and the one cheering on him and his whole team every game! And of course, *that* mom is always prepared. She is always hauling around gear and extras (ice packs to snacks and drinks for the team).
I love that my soccer athlete is dreaming big and I know he will follow through on what he wants in life. He has his whole career planned out and I can’t wait to be there for him to support his dreams and watch them come true. I love that POWERADE recognizes the potential of young athletes and has started the new “Just A Kid” program!
What do you do to encourage your athlete? Anything you wish you had known before becoming a soccer parent?
Laurie says
My husband is the soccer Dad because he coaches! I know he relates to all of these except for the laundry, that one is still mine 🙂 I love soccer season and seeing the kids play year after year and the amazing improvement from all the kids following to ball to actually playing like a team!
Millie says
I was almost a soccer mom – both kids played one season and had enough. It was crazy though while it lasted!
Wendy says
Aw, TRUTH! 🙂 Though I wasn’t a “soccer mom,” I was an “Irish dance” mom, and I can say that these hold true across the sports. And though the laundry isn’t quite as muddy after practice, it is still pretty ripe, haha!
Beverly says
I was a football, baseball and softball mom. I logged in more travel hours than I can even begin to recall with three children, playing different and multiple sports. I loved it all though. Well, maybe not the dirty laundry! 🙂
Gail says
I was a soccer mom and I guess, every type of childhood group activity mom, including cub scout leader. I have one statement to make: I am so glad those years are behind me!
Kathleen says
That all rings true and what a privilege you have to be that special soccer mum whose hard work will not be forgotten. I hope your soccer athlete gets all he dreams of.
Nicole Escat says
So glad to know these! I’m not a huge fan of soccer but maybe soon when my son would love soccer.
Sherry says
We have one grandkid in baseball and the other in soccer. That’s how we spend all of our free time!
Chelley @ a is for adelaide says
Love this! We are just getting into sports this season with tball. I am already tell it’s going to take over!