Bend it like Beckham

All I have to say is that playing soccer is a whole lot more fun when you are almost 40 pounds lighter!!!!!

I had my first indoor game tonight - and while we did not win - I felt GREAT out there.

I ran the entire time, made good plays and have started to play like I use to...I am so happy and proud of myself...and newly motivated!

Adieu to Outdoor Soccer Season

Just had to share - I play goal for the Centennials - we play in the over 30 Women's Soccer League. We had a great season.

The team is a wonderful group of talented, skilled, fun, fabulous women. What a great season we had - 11 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties - with 64 goals for and only 12 against --- we tied for first!

I am looking forward to my indoor season - but even more so, I am looking forward to next outdoor season when I am thinner, faster, fitter and happier!

Go Cens Go!

I'd be game for that!

Soccer has always been a big part of my life. As a kid I played on a travel team and got to go all over Canada, and the USA to play in tournaments. In university I played on the varsity team and had a blast. Over the years I got to make great friends and play a game I love.

I never really imagined I would find true love on the soccer pitch.

Back in July of 2000 I was playing in my regular two summer soccer leagues. One Saturday morning a friend invited me to play soccer on her work co-ed team. They were risking a default since their girl players were unavailable. I thought it would be fun and so I accepted her offer. That one soccer game changed my life!

One of the defenders and I hit it off. So, when I was asked to play again the next week, I agreed, hoping that David would be there as well.

After a few games, it became apparent that there was a connection between the tall, blond, shy defender! My girlfriends on the team worked with him and knew he was not seeing anyone. They kept saying that they would hook us up...but never did.

So, one day, after a cold, rainy game I found the courage to ask him out.

I ran up to him on the way to the parking lot and I asked if he had a sec. Right away he commented on my play and how well I played. I blushed, then began my, now infamous, monologue:

"Thanks, well, um, I did not really want to talk about soccer actually. You see, Rue, Sherri-Lynne and Cara have been saying that we have alot in common and that we should, like, you know, get to know each other. They keep saying they will set us up, but, um, they are all talk and, well. no action. So, I guess I figured I would take matters in my own hands. So, um, keeping with the soccer theme, um, well, if you would like to get to know me off the soccer pitch, I'd be game for that!"

David looked at me. Smiled, and said, "Sure..."

And before he could say anything else, I ran off to my car. I was so excited. Too excited. I forgot to make arrangements for our first date!

We had a wonderful first date. So wonderful, that I was late to pick up my soccer friend to go to an out-of-town tournament. I was suppose to pick her up at 930PM and I did not get there till after 11PM! And then for the 90 minute drive to our lodging, I talked her ear off -reliving every second of the date.

Then, my last sentence to her was, "You know, I think he is the one."

The next day, at the out-of-town soccer tournament while I was relaxing between games, I looked up to see David walking over. I thought I was dreaming. He had driven all the way to Perth to watch me play! It was wonderful!

We have been together ever since. And each and every day I love him more.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Play the Whistle

I have played soccer for over 30 years and along with basic soccer skills, I have learned:
1) Play with your head and elbows up,
2) Always put a name on the ball,
3) Do not be afraid of the ball,
4) The ref is always right, and
5) Always play the whistle.

My involvement in sports has also taught me the importance of team work, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat (can you picture that poor skier that aired during the 1980's CBC Sports montage?), and sportsmanship.

Last night at soccer the opposing team got past our defence and there was a kerfuffle in front of the net. I made a sprawling save - or what I thought was a save. Within nano-seconds the ball was cleared and it appeared that play was continuing - there was no whistle.

The other team was yelling that it was a goal, but the ref allowed play to continue all the way to half...until he looked at me and saw me tangled in the net and unable to free myself. (can you picture orka stuck in a fishing net, then, you get the picture). The ref stopped play and I honestly thought it was because I was incapacitated. Instead he motioned for a goal. While the other team celebrated, many on our team were protesting.

The ref asked me if the ball. I replied it could not have been all the way over the line...my reasoning...there was no whistle. Now in soccer, the ENTIRE ball must cross the line for the goal to count. Perhaps it did, perhaps it did not...but in my mind, the referee's job is to be in the right spot to make the right call - not to second guess himself AND then ask players for their opinion. Whatever call he makes is the right call, but he must stick to his call.

Yes, refs are human. Yes, this is an Over 30 Rec League. But, a ref is paid to do his job, not ask for the input of players and then change his mind. I have no respect for refs doing this type of officiating. (nor if they do not call illegal throw-ins, but that is a whole separate vent!) they need to be decisive.

I mentioned that through my involvement in sports that I have learned sportsmanship. I hold that quality in high degree. I am the first to encourage the most sportsmanship thing to do. So then, should I have fessed up that the ball did, I mean "probably" crossed the line? To me, sprawled over the ground, I just kept playing and assumed "no whistle, no goal".

Now my defender (an extremely talented player & friendly gal) confessed that (from her angle) the ball had crossed the line and therefore, and was a goal. I applauded her honesty and her decisiveness - personality traits and attributes that I highly respect. But I think if the situation should happen again (and sadly, it will), I will once again plead ignorance and leave it to the ref to call...and I will only stop playing when the whistle blows.

And as I always say after a goal, "Odd Luck...it's 0-0, let's win this half!"