This year both of our daughters are playing soccer. In fact, I am coaching Super Girl (age 4.5) in her inaugural season. Action Girl (7.5) has moved on to the Under Eights (who play on the same night and location).
I think I forgot how tentative Action Girl was in her first year (when she too was 4). Basically, our job as under six coaches is to: 1) Try to make sure that everyone has fun, 2) Try to ensure that its a positive experience for the team, and 3) start basic soccer skills.
The first night, Super was shedding a few tears, but she wasn't the only player on our team to do so. I can see her perspective- its loud and new and intimidating. Her second night was much more positive and she got to be goalie for a while (only one ball got past her). Tonight is night #3 and we may have thunder showers- the one force in the universe capable of stopping kids' soccer (actually, many experts are spilt on whether soccer should stop for zombie attacks, with a number of research projects still underway).
Soccer is new for me. My co-coach is really cool and we have some people in common (and it turns out we are practically neighbours). Happily, our next door neighbour (also 4 year old) is also on our team. Even by U-6 standards we have a "young" team, but they are having fun and are all smiling. So am I.
B.
I think if you read your coaching handbook from cover to cover you will find that indeed all games should stop for zombie attacks. It is vital that these kids learn skills in a variety of areas...soccer, team work and killing zombies. It is very difficult to play soccer when there are zombies making their way across the field, dropping limbs and bits of clothing, not to mention they are all ball hogs and refuse to pass the ball. Good luck Coach!
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