Simultaneous Soccer and Football

I'd rather watch Clayton play a game than sit at the Super Bowl 50-yard line on the front row! When Clayton played soccer a year or so ago, people regularly commented about him because he grinned from ear to ear and giggled the entire game. It was so obvious he was having the time of his life that people couldn't help but notice. It was pure joy to see his delight. He seems to be enjoying himself as much this year, but his competitive streak is starting to show.


There is a great deal of obsession with sports in our culture. To me, the pressure some parents put on kids to perform undermines the joy of playing. Sometimes I watch and listen to fathers (and mothers) willing their sons to stardom, yet when I look at the field, I just see a kid trying to have fun. I think to myself that if the pushing doesn't stop, the kid is likely going to stop having fun soon.


I confess that when Clayton scores touchdowns, goals, and baskets my pride swells a bit, but for the most part I am just genuinely excited to see him discover the thrill in it. It fuels his fun, and it is so much fun to see his fun. I really don't want to focus on whether he performs well or wins; I just want him to enjoy what he does.


This year, Clayton is playing soccer and flag football, and it is wearing us out! His practices and games are back-to-back and on opposite sides of Utah Valley. It is hectic keeping up with his schedule, but it is really great to see him enjoying himself so much.

I was REALLY frustrated about the play in the video; the ref thought someone got Clayton's flag, but no one had, and he zipped down the sideline to score . . . only to bring it back since the ref blew the play dead. Still, I bit my tongue. Just keep on running, Clayton!