Last year about this time, I-Mans soccer season ended and he found out that a couple of his teammates from his Rec League Championship team had tried out for the Academy team and made it. He was friends with them and was upset that he didnt get the chance to try out. I had not had him try out because, even though he was an integral part of that team, I felt he wasnt ready for the increased demands and expectations playing at the Academy level would place on him. Looking back on it, and seeing his overall level of play transcend Rec League at his position, it may have been a mistake. But not much we can do about that now. so...

...Five tryouts and a couple of evaluations during actual games later, I-Man is selected to U9/10 Academy team. And I am somewhat taken aback by his reaction as he is genuinely overjoyed to be chosen. He has said several times that he wants to play "at the highest level..." and obviously we are a loooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnng ways away from anything of that sort.But this is definitely a step in that direction. Now he will get a true taste of how competitive it is. This will now be a lesson of "there is always a bigger fish..." for him as he will no longer be able to be lazy and turn on burst of speed to catch up and take the ball away from less talented players. Now if someone gets by him, it will be a clear shot on the goalie that is likely to be a score(and a lot of screaming from the coach... and suddenly it will no longer be "everyone gets a trophy, thanks for coming" but "too bad, you lost.. no trophy for you... maybe...MAYBE.. we might be able to stop at McDonalds... maybe... we'll see" it will be good for him on many levels as the level of expectations and responsibility get amped up. I see many lessons, some hard, on the horizon... but I am willing to bet he will make some long time friendships too...