Days with the Dorans

So Z's Jags experience is done! We have loved watching him play in whatever uniform he has on. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best experience for him and HE'S chosen not to do travel but stick with academy (which is a great choice for him). He didn't have the best coaching experience and I'm just glad he isn't giving up the game~ since he does love to play. BOTH Jeff and I missed Z's last two games because they landed on a Sunday when Jeff was leading church and I was the only soprano and couldn't find someone to fill in.  Nana took him and his sibs and we got out there just as the last game was ending! We went right from there to his team party which was a lot of fun. Outside from learning some new things in soccer, I think that Z learned other lessons too... It's fun to meet new friends, always try to be better than you were before and focus on the good. Loved cheering on my number nine this year and can't wait to be his number one ...

 So I am pretty sure we learned an expensive lesson that you don't always get what you pay for.  It's been kind of a disappointing season for Z (and I'll just say the coaching hasn't been the best but we stay mum and will continue to). I am happy to say that they FINALLY had a win which was awesome and Z actually scored some goals (from defense!).  He has gotten better but there are some things we wish would be explained to him but once the weather breaks hopefully Jeff can work with him.  He really has done well and it's so fun watching him think.  I know that sounds crazy but he reads plays very well and just seems to instinctively know where to go.  He was put into offense a few times and scored too!  I wish his coach would give him more opportunity to play offense but Z likes defense. After the big WIN, Papa and I took Z and his fan club to Tim Horton's to celebrate and get him his favorite... A Honey Cruller! I'd say he was pretty ...

 Well as mentioned, Z made the Jags Team which is a travel team of sorts. He didn't make the top team closest to us but we were glad he made the cuts for a nearby team.  We were hoping that Z would get on a team with some kiddos who really wanted to play and perhaps get the feeling of a 'win' since his previous teams had never won and there were many kiddos that just didn't know what they were doing and I think that frustrated Z sometimes (think Bad News Bears).  This new experience has been interesting and to be honest, we aren't impressed.  We aren't happy with the coach who sits at all of games and practice scrimmages (instead of getting up like the other coaches do). He just seems real hands-off and not a motivator for the boys.  The real sad thing about it is that Z's team still has not experienced a win. The other boys are nice and try hard.  Parents "aren't allowed" to talk at games or to the coach (We communicate with the manag...

 Zach was so excited for his first soccer tournament.  It was only about an hour away so we (team) decided against getting a hotel for the night.  On the first day, Joe and Sean ended up staying back with my folks (we thought it would rain) and Al joined Jeff and I to cheer on the Goose! He didn't start (there was only one sub) but we kind of new that would happen.  He went in shortly after though and played GREAT!  We were so proud of him.  I guess after the game when the coach talked to the team he said Z was "The best hustler in the game."   Goosie was really excited about that! For as spacey as the Goose can be (and it's A LOT), he is so razor focused in soccer and it's fun to see.  We lucked out having no rain at the actual game but got to drive home in a pretty cool lightning storm.  On the way to the parking lot, Z was running and tripped and skinned up his knees and elbow.  I told him it was battle scars! The next ...

So while all our kiddos love playing sports (soccer in particular) it is our Z who is filled with piss and vinager and has a desire to WIN (not that the others don't- but he has a drive)! Poor Z has been on 3 or 4 soccer teams now and has not won ONE game!!  (At least we don't think he has.)  To say that has been frustrating to him would be an understatement.  His coaches and players have been fun but he's asked for something more so we decided to look into it. Now Z has not done any soccer camps or anything like that- though he is a kid who gets home from school, grabs his ball and is out playing.  After some talk about it, we decided to let him try out for a team with a little more competition- a travel team I guess because it goes all over the state (I think only in state) and goes all year. He went to a weekend of tryouts where it seemed most of the boys (if not all) knew each other and probably played together.  He was clearly an underdog a...