Meet the Team

Socks

Socks is one of the free spirits on the team.  She got her name because she wears the most outlandish socks to practice.  For those who do not know, soccer players wear long socks to hold their shin guards in place.  Most kids wear white or black.  Those who have been playing for a while will have socks the color of their old teams.  Our Socks takes pride in wearing some of the oddest soccer socks I have seen.  There have been striped pairs, floral patterns, and some very brightly colored pairs.  I told her I thought they were just knee high socks, but she assures me they are soccer socks.  When she is forced to wear a normal pair of socks, she mixes and matches colors.  She will wear one blue and one pink, or one green and one yellow.  She loves it.

Socks is also our remaining alternate player.  The National Games only allows U-10 teams to carry ten players.  We started with 13 players last August.  We have lost two along the way.  I have asked for permission to have 11 players play, but Nationals may not allow it.  Socks knows this but you would not know it to watch her practice and play.  She works as hard as anyone at practice.  She never misses practice or a game.  Our team will play in a local tournament in June.  The KASI tournament also limits U-10 teams to ten players.  Socks is guaranteed a spot in this tournament.  Again we have asked for an exception.  If the KASI people will not allow 11 players, we will draw a name to see who sits.  It helps that, Greta, one of her teammates, is also her cousin.  It also helps that before the National Tournament starts there is a day where players are mixed up and placed on teams other than their team.  The goal is to let the players from around the country  meet each other.  Socks will get to play in these games.

As a player, Socks has a split personality.  When she is on, she is a good player.  She is aggressive and fast to the ball.  She has improving ball control skills and looks to pass better than anyone on the team.  When she is distracted, she is distracted.  This is when my wife usually reminds me I am coaching 8 and 9 year old kids, not world cup players.  Whichever version of Socks shows up, she is a joy to have on the team.  No matter what else is going on, she always manages to find a way to make me laugh.  I really hope they let her play.

Thanks for logging on.  Don't forget to look at our up coming fundraisers. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to U-10 National Team, 315 North Street, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079.  Please make any checks payable to: AYSO Region 250.

Go Crushers!