At Woodburn, Oregon, there is something special going on at Centennial Park. The community has embraced the sport of soccer defining fun in a safe and organized environment. Families show up every Saturday to watch their kids play soccer games anywhere from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The fields are marked and maintained nicely.
I was there last Saturday to watch some PeeWee League games, which are kids 3 - 5 years of age -- some are true beginners. Some of the kids were more advanced than others and some more emotional. It was so impressive to see the parents supporting their kids and encouraging them. The crowds rooting for their team were pretty large and as teams finished games, more teams showed up to play. There was plenty of parking and there was even a concession stand. The flow of people coming in and out of the parking lot was timed well.
This Spring 2017 Soccer Program has several leagues, a PeeWee Co-Ed League (3 - 5); a Kinder; a Grades 1 - 2; a Grades 3 - 4, and a Grades 5 - 6. This major-youth-sports program is such a constructive, optimistic, and rewarding adventure for any family wanting their kids to be introduced to soccer. I mean, they have uniforms with numbers, they have amazing goals with nets, and they have officials at every game.
I caught up with Darci Berry de Canessa -- a first-time soccer mom. She has a son that started playing soccer two weeks ago. Her husband, Gino, who assists her played soccer in Peru, the sport is huge in that country. Darci played soccer back in 1991 when she was in the first grade, and continued playing for seven years. Her mom, Loni, volunteered to coach her soccer team and ended up coaching Darci for the next seven years.
"Yeah, it was one of those things where I said that I would only coach if no one else would. I was named the coach of my daughter's team," Loni said.
2017 Darci Berry de Canessa instructs her PeeWee League soccer team.
We definitely need more parents to volunteer as coaches, and it doesn't matter what sport the child is playing. Darci volunteered to be a coach for the PeeWee Co-Ed League. She has a three-year-old son and a four-year-old son. As I was watching her, I noticed a lot of her compassion toward these kids. She talked to them in a very nice way, and at the same time, firm and with helpful instructions. I can't imagine the challenges with three-year-olds. Some cried after getting knocked down by another player. Some of her team members would run to their parents. She would run after them and encourage them to try again.
"How about you kick the ball once to start the second half, and then if you don't want to play anymore, that's okay," Darci smiled and looked at the little boy.
The little boy smiled and kicked the ball to start the second half. He then ran over to his mom and gave her a big hug. After that it seemed easier for him to go back in the game. He felt no pressure and started having fun, which is what youth sports is all about.
It was so much fun watching her team and the positive coaching style she had. She knew the game well because she played years ago, and her first-time coaching had surpassed expectations. She instills the vital part of why kids go out for sports, to have fun!
2017 Kids having fun chasing after the soccer ball at Centennial Park in Woodburn.
"The Woodburn Parks and Recreation program has been a very fun and positive experience. I am coaching one of the PeeWee League teams, three to five year-olds. For many kids this is their first time ever being on a team, and for others the first time kicking a ball. The Woodburn soccer program provides an engaging and enjoyable first-time experience for these youngsters. In just the second game I've seen so many of them improving in their confidence and in their soccer skills," Coach Darci Canessa said.