When Parents Meet Players

Watching our children grow in the world of sports here in Durham and Middlefield is an experience that is very rewarding and can never be replaced.  With so many opportunities available to them, what will they choose?  The choices are endless for them.  Baseball, basketball, soccer or whatever other sport they choose to try, after all this is about them, not us.

As parents, we support them and hope they succeed and enjoy the games they choose.  The parents in our towns of Durham and Middlefield spend endless hours driving from field to field for practices and games.  We rush home from work to get them to the fields on time, car pool other siblings from field to field, and ask for those last minute favors that we all seem to accumulate.  Somewhere in that short window of time we need to sneak in a little dinner, or something that at least resembles a dinner. 

A great number of parents are also on field coaching our young players and teaching them the game to the best of their ability while making it fun and interesting.  With all of the coaching from the sidelines, cheering from the stands, and of course giving our own children “advice” on how to get better, have you ever wondered what they go through on the field.  Well, the U12 Recreation Soccer Team put that challenge on the table to the parents to see how they would respond.

On Friday, June 10, the U12 girls’ soccer team, under the direction of coaches Rocco and Marnie Christiana, challenged the parents to a soccer game….Winner Take All!!  Whatever “all” is?  Well, of course, the parents were all up for this challenge!!  Why wouldn’t they be?  I mean, we see them play all the time and of course, we can keep up with them.  After all….We Are the PARENTS!!!  Right??

Finally, the time has come for the big game, June 10th at 6 p.m., raring to go…..kind of.  I mean we do need to stretch out!! We are not as limber as we used to be and I am not sure we all checked the deductible on our health insurance plan.  Meanwhile the girls are running around as if it was just another game; that same game of soccer that they have been playing for years.  All of a sudden, the bell rings to start the game and we are off.  This is where I leave the play-by-play action to Coach Rocco.  The following was a message to all players and parents of the team right after the game was over.

“Congrats to all for a well fought battle between U12 girls and parents. Both sides played with fierce determination. For the parents, the defense from Mad Dog Mario in the goal was outstanding; now we know where Boomer gets her moves. Both Tasmanian Charles Whitaker and Deb Alsup put up a wall that at times was impassable, (when not on the ground). At times Brian and his bride Lisa glided down the field like two prancing gazelles always a threat to the girls, however then they met Stacia and that’s where the prancing stopped. Paige, Lizzy, Rowan and Lauren pushed the ball up the field with great passes and smart crosses giving the girls opportunities for shots on goal. The parents scored first but without fear the girls answered right back. At times watching Allie's blinding speed on defense was breathtaking especially when she put such a move on her dad Steve ( I think he's still pulling up his jockeys). Mike Copeland worked the sidelines like a master, so light on those feet not to bruise a blade of grass as he attacked the goal. Cali, Taylor and Boomer did a great job on goal they should be proud. At times Brendan showed moments of genius, moves that would have made Pele weep, like father like daughter. Cami and sis Bailey were a double threat on offense with several shots on goal, but again there was Mad Dog to stop the BLASTS (Marios a bad boy). Hailey and Jamie stopped attack after attack from moms Stacie, Claudia, Tammy and Nancy who showed tough as nails tenacity. Mark, Leo and Maureen M. played like young teenagers showing our girls at times who's boss, tonight they will be celebrating with a slathering of Ben Gay. Watching Jenna and mom Maureen flapping those arms throughout the game looking like pretty, pink flamingos about to take off was a sight, but look out for Jenna always poised in front of that goal ready for the attack. Then the coaches Marnie confusing everybody with her constant chatter and me coach Rocco constantly belching up previously eaten ravioli all over the field barely able to compete. Thanks also to Kristofer Copeland for lending a helping hand much appreciated. Thanks to all for a great contest. WELL PLAYED! It was a tie game this time, but just wait until we all heal.  Revenge is sweet!!!”

When the next day came and at the next practice, all everyone could talk about was that game.  Well, that and all the sore muscles of course.  This was a not only a good time for the parents, but a great time for the players!!  What better way to spend time with your own child than to actually be on the field with them.  This was an experience that will be embedded in everyone’s memory for years to come.  More importantly, these young players had the opportunity to play a game they love with the people they love the most and love them the most: Their Parents!!