If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting me, the term “soccer mom” would likely be the last thing on your lips. My background is rooted in art school, and I embrace my nerdy side wholeheartedly. Friends often describe me as a homesteading or free-spirited mom. But now that my child has joined our local sports league for fall fun, I proudly wear the title of soccer mom.
Every Saturday morning, I haul my family to the community rec center, where we watch my oldest child navigate the exciting world of dribbling and kicking. As I look around, I see a variety of moms engaged in their own activities. There’s the mom who silently scrolls through her social media feed from the sidelines. Then, there’s the volunteer coach, who shouts instructions to the kids, much to the annoyance of some other parents. Of course, we can’t forget the PTA mom, socializing with her peers.
And then there’s me. I’m the mom who cheers boisterously for all the kids, not just my own. These little ones are in kindergarten through second grade, figuring out friendships, shoe-tying, and that the big net is a goal, not a secret hideout, despite a few boys’ best efforts to pretend otherwise.
I’m the mom who relishes the chance to bring fun snacks for the team, even if it’s not expected (and probably irritates a few other mothers). My trusty backpack is packed with treats, Band-Aids, extra water, baby wipes, and sunscreen. No one ever asks for these items, but I believe in being prepared.
I’m also the mom who genuinely tries to connect with the other parents, even those who are a bit shy. It’s in my nature to be a little nosy, so why not seize the moment to meet the folks behind my child’s friends?
I don’t shy away from calling out obnoxious parents who yell at the coaches. Seriously, let’s tone it down. These coaches volunteer their time, and these kids are still learning. There’s no justification for parents acting like this is the World Cup.
Equally, I’m not afraid to tell overly enthusiastic coaches, who think pee wee soccer is the place for intense critique, to take it down a notch. This isn’t a professional league, and nobody needs that level of seriousness.
Furthermore, I’m the mom who rallies around the child who just missed scoring a goal and looks crushed. These kids are young, learning the ropes, and they all deserve cheers. I’m not advocating for participation trophies, but we can all agree that encouraging every child is important, right? Their teamwork and effort matter.
I’m also the mom who gently reminds my child (and likely yours too) to cool it when they start teasing others about speed, skills, or who has the coolest cleats. This is a chance for our kids to learn teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Friendly competition is one thing, but being a jerk is another.
So yes, I am a proud soccer mom. I adore the game and all the little players—yours included. You’ll find me on the sidelines, chatting with other moms, cheering for both teams, and advocating for sports as a great way to teach our kids respect and responsibility. It’s all about helping them believe in themselves, just as we believe in them.
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Summary
This lighthearted piece captures the essence of being an engaged soccer mom. It reflects on the various types of parents found at youth games while emphasizing the importance of encouragement and sportsmanship for all children. The author embraces her role, cheers for every child, and advocates for a supportive atmosphere among parents and players alike.