Just what Sunday mornings were made for ....

CHECKING out the weekend weather forecast on Friday afternoon wiped the smile right off my face. "Here we go...." I muttered under my breath while rolling my eyeballs right up into their sockets in a very attractive sort of manner.

It seems that whenever we have something planned, the heaven's decide to do what they do best .... open. And open they did. Just as my youngest son climbed into his team's red and black strip and played in his first ever football match.

Off he went, to kickaround with his team-mates of three weeks. It was a joy to watch this cluster of six-year-olds come together on a soggy and muddy patch of grass to fumble their way through 15 minutes either way of good, harmless tackling.

It was equally heart-warming to see the parents standing on the sidelines braving the elements to cheer on their offspring as best they could, although a handful of parents just ended up confusing their children while they bawled at them telling them to go here, there and everywhere and do this, that and the other.

Even I couldn't stop myself from giving a little yelp every now and again. I think I remember holloring "Go on my son ...." at one point!! One person I did enjoy listening to, though, was the team's inspirational Coach, Leanne. She makes me laugh.

Other coaches who witness their little players fall over and hurt themselves give an "Oh dear, now get up and get on with it" reaction. Leanne's mum-like methods are far more endearing. She frequents the sidelines with open arms, a reassuring smile and a pack of Elastoplast for her little players.

Yesterday, there were footballs kicked onto ears, slippy and slidey falls and even little guys who simply didn't want to play. Coach was there for each and every one of them. That's when she wasn't congratulating team members of the opposition for their soccer prowess!
But, our chilly morning standing there cheering on the cherub was fruitful. After his debut on the pitch, my little fella was named Man of the Match and hasn't stopped smiling since.

His temporary trophy has not been put down since it was placed firmly in his grip. All I need to do now is get a mantlepiece built before it has to be returned to Coach in time for the next match!