U8 Fall SoccerMaddi

Turning EIGHT this year and being a second grader, Maddi got to make a move up in the soccer world this fall and play U8.  

Major differences from Mod soccer to U8:

1.  All girls; no more co-ed

2.  Three players on the field + goalkeeper = 4 players instead of just three players on the field & no goalkeeper

3.  Referees, instead of the two coaches on either side making calls

Another change for Maddi was that she moved from playing with Chinqually Booters to playing Olympia United so she could play with her school friends.  She loved playing with Lydia, Meredith and Addie and having Lydia's dad, Mike as her coach, but she (we) missed her playing with Katie this year.  

Maddi discovered this year that she loves playing goalie.  Part of that is she is good in goal, but she also idolizes her father in so many ways, that she felt proud to play Daddy's position.  And of course, Daddy was proud to watch his girl play the position he was so good at and loved for so many years.

Not only did she discover she was pretty good in goal, she made huge strides as a field player as well.  She loves soccer and wants to continue to play and it is so fun to watch her grow and learn the game.

Next up: Spring soccer for Brody (SuperMod, U4) and Maddi (U8 again)

Olympia High School girls soccer team invited Coach Mike's U8 & U11 team to be recognized at their first home game.  What a fun experience for the girls!

Maddi, Addie, and Meredith

After the JV girls played, while the Varsity girls were warming up,  the JV players decked the little girls up with necklaces and tattoos...so fun!

Maddi's team

Each little girl got matched up with a Varsity player to run out onto the field with (as they ALL got introduced).  

Brody watching from the stands with Mommy & Daddy

what is Maddi doing??

Game Time!

Coach Mike & the girls

GOALIE!

She...

is...

READY!

Brody LOVED soccer practice & games.  I was worried in the beginning of the season that he would be so mad not to be playing, but he was content at games sitting with Maddi's teammates or the loads of older sisters (whom he played with at most practices).