The field is buried in about half a foot of icy coldness. The goals have been stored underneath the stadium for almost three months and it is hard to imagine the stands cleared of snow. It seems as though soccer games in warm, pleasant fall weather were ages ago, and with temperatures hovering in the single digits, it is hard to imagine that spring training is creeping up on us. It is easy to become a little winter weary, but thanks to the interruption of January youth soccer clinics, I get to breathe a whisper of rejuvenation.
Most of the Stout players have been home for a few weeks, while others are milling around campus for winterm classes. Preparations are being made for the captains’ practices that will commence once the players are all back at Stout, and I am lucky that I’ve had a chance to kick a ball around again….even if those who kick back to me struggle to use the right part of the foot.
Together, with a small group of players, the Stout team has been putting on winter skills sessions for the area youth. There are some regulars who have found their way back into the MPR of Johnson Fieldhouse, and there are some excited newcomers too. The ages range from five through high school and the energy level is of course high. It has been fun this year to note the growth of so many of the young players who frequent our camps and clinics.
They’ve grown into bigger shoes and they’ve also grown into well-skilled, sure-footed soccer players. It is fun to watch the maturation of young players. To see them get excited about an element that I would never have been able to show them a year ago, but because of time on teams and with coaching throughout the year they have matured into better players.
I see them through a window of sorts…a few hours here and there at different times throughout the year. I know little else of what goes on in their lives except that they play soccer and they want to play it enough to continue to get better. I’m excited for the potential that so many of these young players possess. It is a refreshing reminder of what passion for soccer looks like…a quick breath of fresh air when it’s still too cold to go outside.
