The Finer Points of Soccer

My nephew Paul is an awesome soccer player. He's played soccer practically since he had a pacifier in his mouth. He also ballroom dances, but that's for another day. On top of all of his talent and good looks, he is also a funny, generous person. For several weeks this summer he is going to be teaching my kids and a couple of other boys we know how to play soccer. I'm especially glad for the chance for them to really learn how to play because we can't really participate in the city recreation department program thanks to my piano teaching schedule (I'd be spending three days a week doing nothing but teaching and soccer until late at night. Agh.). And besides, they're getting far better instruction from Paul than they would ever get through the city.

Paul is demonstrating where to catch a ball on your chest. B. was not impressed by this part of the lesson, so she sat out. L, on the other hand, showed his inner muscle man:


Even Pengbo came to participate. After practicing a few things Paul had them actually playing a game. Everyone had a great time running around trying to kick the ball. Even though L. is the smallest, he was right in there with the bigger kids. He did take a direct hit to the face with the ball, but after some tears and sitting on my lap for a few minutes he jumped right back into the game. I had a great time visiting with Mark and Nadine, who are the parents of the other two boys. Nadine is a longtime family friend.