Mini Soccer Program for Benjamin

Yesterday I signed Benjamin up in our county's Mini Soccer Program for kids 3-5 years old. The MSP meets for seven Saturday only sessions that last about an hour. The Spring 2009 season dates are April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 23, 30 and June 6, with a rain date of May 16th. Ben is in the under three group because they place the kids by their age as of August 1, 2008. He turned three in October.

Here's a description of the program:
Soccer activities will be conducted by professional trainers who have a special talent for working with the youngest of players. A volunteer coach will manage the team and assist the trainers all seven weeks. Emphasis is on enhancing player abilities in a fun environment. Players will participate in age appropriate drills and games that will help build a solid foundation for skills to be learned later. Please do not expect the same "structure" and games for the U3's that you see older players do. The U4’s will start to play games when they are developmentally able.

Benjamin participated in an outdoor introduction to the sport this past Fall at his old day care and he enjoyed himself. He's also played indoor soccer in the gym at this new day care. We took him to his first D.C. United game last June and he really loved the game. Still talks about it. We've also set up places in the house where we play mini games as seen in the picture below.

There is a chance for parents to volunteer and I may do so after this Spring session, either assisting the coaches or something administratively. During this session, I plan to be on the sidelines watching and taking pictures. Benjamin was excited once I told him the news yesterday.