Time for a change

Sometimes in life it's time for a change.  Being that I'm a creature of habit that's not always easy for me. I'm finding that Alyssa also has this trait. Sometimes good, sometimes not so much.  I think I've mentioned in previous posts about Alyssa's soccer team and that felt it was time to make a switch, but she wasn't ready. This year she has finally realized it was time.  She's very dedicated and loves the game, but she can't carry a team on her own. If Lis didn't score, then it rarely happened from anyone else. No one could finish her crosses, rarely score off her corners, she started saying things like "it doesn't matter anyway if I....".  Not the direction we wanted to head with a kid who has passion and drive for the game. So we made the decision to leave.  It happened a little sooner than we planned, but I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I won't go into all the details, but long story short, we made the decision to leave her team on a Tuesday and by Saturday she was dressed and playing on a new club. She is now playing for Liverpool, a team she was invited to guest play with during the summer.  This has been one of the best decisions we've made.  She's playing on a team with several girls who have played premier level, girls with drive and know the definition of TEAM. Unlike her last team that would add players to add bodies, this coach does not do that. He's run the year with a minimal number of players because he only wants quality kids and families. We were pleased to learn he wanted Alyssa. I think the fact that she went one day not assigned to a team speaks volumes on her play and her as a kid.  When the paperwork was all signed off to complete her transfer the coach called Sebastian to welcome him and Alyssa to the team. He said he was taking his wife to dinner to celebrate having Alyssa on his team. He said she's been beating him for 2 years and said she will make an immediate impact on his team. The team has been extremely welcoming to her and she's happy to play soccer again.  Reaffirming my belief once again that everything happens for a reason.

First practice

Dad didn't get the shot of her scoring, just after

Lis wears 85. Strange numbering on the team.  Apparently they messed up the number ordering for this age so all the girls wear strange numbers.

Already taking corners, left and right

Team pics

Since this is my blog about my kiddos, I get bragging rights.  We woke to an email this morning from the Director of Coaching from Albion (one of the stronger soccer clubs in San Diego).  Oddly this email was sent to one of Sebastian's old email accounts he rarely uses. Strange how people find you. The email went something along the lines of we haven't seen Alyssa the last two times we've played CV Premier. We hope she is healthy. The reason for the email is I would like to invite Alyssa to train and play with Albion White (their Tier 1 team). They will be playing in the Surf Cup and several tournaments there after and we think Alyssa would be a great asset to the club. Proud mommy and daddy! Her old soccer coach has been telling Alyssa to play like this is the first time people are watching her play. To show them what she is made of. I forget that other coaches ARE watching and scouting during games and tournaments. Just goes to show the hard work she's put in and coaches don't let the strong players go without a team.  :) So very proud of my daughter! Keep up the good work and most importantly, keep loving the game you play so well.