When she announced that she was interested in playing soccer, we started our search for a league that could accommodate her special needs. We found one, but it was about 20-30 minutes away, depending on traffic. So, Tim called the president of the league our boys play in and asked if she could play in the “regular” league. The president didn’t ask a single question about her equipment, her diagnosis, or her special needs. He said, “Yes.” He explained to Tim that the league is young and they had never been asked that question, so they would love to give her the same chance that all kids have.
The league is recreational in nature, and really, how competitive are three-year-old soccer players anyway? We’ve ordered her pink and silver soccer ball. And her shin guards that fit over her KAFOs arrived this week. She is extremely excited. And so are her brothers.
Isaac, her big brother, protector, and best friend has been “helping” Esther-Faith prepare for her first soccer season. They’ve balanced balls on their heads. Kicked around a little in the yard. And he has even tried to explain offsides to her.
I’m not sure any of it stuck… Except that her soccer ball is pink. Her shin guards are pink. And we searching for pink shoes. Nevermind the offsides. She likes the accessories.
I can’t even think about watching her walk onto that field for the first time without getting misty-eyed. My heart does a flip flop when I think about how I thought she would never play soccer. How I thought I would never enroll her in soccer because of my own fears… of injury. Of difficulty. Of ridicule.
But one thing we’ve learned with Esther-Faith is that she will do what she wants. And she is VERY aware of her limitations. I am so excited to watch her play this season. Even if she decides it will be her first and her last.
As amazing as this is for your family, I am so thrilled for your soccer league. Thrilled that they had the sense to say ‘yes’ when asked. Thrilled that the other kids won’t miss out on the joy of playing with Esther-Faith. Wooot!
Oh my gosh, what an amazing opportunity for not only your family, but also the other kids! To learn that Esther-Faith is their equal, their peer, and just wants to play soccer!
And of course, she wants to do it all decked out in pink. My kind of girl!
Woo Hoo! I can’t wait to see pics!
What color of soccer cleats and shin guards did she choose? Pink?? Bet when the time comes she chooses a pink mouth guard :0)
I’m so thrilled soccer season is starting…My twin nieces play and I find myself getting absolutely giddy for what I once thought was a “why would you play that?” kinda sport…..LOL
I’m a huge football fan(mostly pro) although I do love me some OSU and Marshall :0)
Have fun and don’t forget the pictures! Better still snag us a few little snippets of her playing if you can :0)
Trina and Jophie
I just ran across this blog and wanted to let you know how inspiring it was to read this post about playing soccer. As a mother to a daughter with multiple orthopedic issues I constantly worry about what she will and wont be able to do. I have to always remind myself that she will do whatever she sets her mind to!
I bet that the people who created Title nine..(for girls to play sports) could of used an Ester-Faith — I don’t think I ever seen all the pink things you mention, so I can’t WAIT to see pictures… or even video!
So great. I wish you all the best of success.
My 7 year old has vastly different issues (he’s autistic so he’s got an invisible disabilities), but we just finished up a summer of attempting little league. I’ve done a bunch of blogging on it (Tag- baseball)- it was difficult but rewarding and very educational.
In Hebrew, we say “Yasher koach”- it’s a combo of “good job” and “your strength should continue”. So I’ll say it to you.
Ohhh, Pink!!! I love it! Good luck Esther-Faith!
Yes!!!! I love hearing about this. I kids hear No so often. Bravo to you for asking.
Wonderful photo, btw.
Esther-Faith, and her family, rocks!
Erin: Thanks! We’re pretty excited. But not as excited as the girl who will be wearing all the pink!
Sara: We think it is a great opportunity for the league, too. But we’re trying to focus on making it good for Esther-Faith. It will be interesting to see how the other kids react at the first practice…
Trina: I promise… there will be photos! In fact, my Tim got a new camera, so, the photos will be better!
Amanda: Thanks for stopping by! And you are so right about some things being a mindset. Esther-Faith wants to play soccer. Will she play in the FIFA world cup someday? Probably not. But she wants to try now. So we’re going to give her that opportunity.
Stacey: Stay tuned… there will be photos!
Staying Afloat: I love success stories. Love them. I’m looking forward to getting to know your family better. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Janis: Thank you!
Terena: Thank you. We don’t want her to hear “can’t” when there may actually be a way.
Starrlife: Thank You!
I just found a league for my daughter. She has PDD and social anxiety but she loves to play with her classmates at school…I cannot wait to see how she does…we tried miracle league baseball which was about an hour away from home but was worth it since I had my older boys with autism and my daughter in it. Unfortunately we had to stop going because it became to hard but I know the feeling you have about seeing her walk onto that field. When I saw my lowest functioning son walk out onto the baseball diamond I was crying like a baby. Good luck Esther-Faith!!!
Krystal: Thank you so much for your comment! I’m so excited about the whole experience!