SASA Spring Soccer

This spring was Landon's first time playing soccer with SASA instead of RYAA.  We liked RYAA...it was the perfect place for him to start.  He had buddies on his team, we loved Coach Jon, it was close to home....good introduction to organized sports.  We decided to switch to SASA because it was only a one night a week commitment (score!) and because the one night a week was Wednesday, which made it possible for Chad to coach (double score!).  The icing on the cake was the Creighton was able to play with Landon, too, which made it perfect for everyone.  

The format for SASA was a little different, too.  They had practice for the first part of the evening and then a game each week.  The kids were divided into small teams....I think we only had seven kids and assigned a coach and an assistant coach who was a college player.  It was a World Cup theme so each team was a country.  We were team France, and the first thing Landon said when he heard we were France, was 'hey!  isn't that where Pepe LePew is from?!'  Why yes, Landon, it sure is.  

Here's Landon on the sidelines with Coach Mark, his assistant coach,
who was from Barbados, not France like the cartoon skunk.

Creighton, Chad, and Landon on the first night as Team France

Now that I'm writing about this in June some of the details of the season are a little foggy for me.  I'm going to hit a few highlights that I DO remember.

*It was great for Landon having Chad for a coach.  He was way tougher on the field and there was no bribery for McDonald's after the game if he stayed out there like I had to do in recent past games.  Facts are facts...and this kid is way tougher for Daddy than he is for me.





*There was A LOT of rain at the beginning of the season which cancelled the first two weeks. So weeks 3 and 4 consisted of two nights a week of games, which made things a little interesting for us.  'Interesting' issue #1 was Landon would be exhausted the next day at school after a night of getting home at 8:15 from soccer resulting in a lot of tears. 'Interesting' issue #2 was that Chad couldn't coach on one of those make up dates because he had a high school game.  I offered my help and thought that Coach Mark would be able to take the lead, but after witnessing Coach Mark comfortable on the side lines the first game I was a little hesitant.  Luckily Coach Dave (Sandercock) came to Chad's rescue (and MINE!) and helped out with that session.

*Landon had a few goals during the season, but learned a TON.  Each week was a different focus, passing, shooting, heading, etc. and he really grew a ton as a little athelte out there.  And lucky Mr. Creighton had a hat trick (three goals in one game) the first night!

*Grandpa and Grandma, Uncle Stallion, Aunt Kelly, Abby, Sophia, and Uncle Michael were all able to come out and see Landon play for Team France.

*Grant was old enough to play in the Little Kicker league this year, but we didn't sign him up.  He did however manage to master saying 'Little Kicker' with a great British accent though from listening to Coach Max (SASA's coordinator) and all of us repeat it.  We were all impressed with Coach Max's organization and the kids were all mesmerized by him (and frankly so were a lot of the moms...it was the accent! ;)

*Landon's friend from kindergarten, Devin played in the league as well.  We hope that next time they'll all be on the same team.

All in all the season was a big success, and we're looking forward to many more!!  Hey, I mean I'm just starting to get my soccer mom chair broken in! (and I'm sure soon I'll get to actually sit in it instead of play on the side line with our 'Little Kicker')