2017 Soccer

Gavin returned to play soccer at the YMCA under Coach CJ. Since his sister was moving to NCFC, we asked Gavin what he wanted to do. He was quick to tell us he wanted to continue under Coach CJ, which was just fine with us. He has played on the same team for several seasons now and CJ has been such a great coach. He is being challenged and their team has really grown over the last few seasons. The difference between Gavin and Emerson in soccer...definitely their love for certain positions. While Eme loves to play offense, Gavin has always enjoyed playing defense. Maybe that has something to do with his desire to play goalie. I am not a big fan of either of my children playing goalie, but he sure does love it. Makes mama nervous. Gavin had a great season and has really started being more aggressive when playing offense. We are super proud of his hard work!

This year is the first year Emerson played for the NCFC Challenge Team. The Challenge Team is a team made up of 12 girls who are required to try out and be selected by a coach. The decision process to go from rec soccer to challenge was a difficult one for us. I didn't want her to lose her love for the game but wanted her to improve and grow in a sport that she loves. After talking to Emerson, the decision was easy. She just wanted to play more soccer. The Challenge Team practices twice a week and they play games on the weekend. She tried out and did great. The coach called her later that afternoon to invite her to play on his team. We were so proud of her! She joined the U9 Challenge Team and their team name is Spirit. She will play with these girls through the Spring season and will then be required to try out again for the U10 Challenge Team. After the U10 try outs, if she makes a team, she will not be required to try out again. She has done so well and we have seen obvious growth on her part. She continues to work hard and has even volunteered, on many occasions, to play goalie. She is always willing to go where they need her. They played together during the Fall and will play again in the Spring. During her off time, she is doing a team training through The Edge soccer facility near Brier Creek. The Edge has been such a great experience for all the girls. They have made footwork fun and the girls love to compete against each other. She leaves with a smile every time.