Moving up from U-10 to U-12 at Age Nine: Game One

The schedule of games for Emilio's fall, U-10 soccer season was released two days before his first game, and when I compared it with Nina's and Pablo's schedule, I realized with dismay that all of Emi's games conflicted with all of Nina and Pablo's games. Emi's U-10 team plays six on a side, and though the plan was for them to have 8 players on two rosters, they only had 15 players total sign up, so instead of having a roster of 7 on one team and 8 on another, they put all fifteen players on the same team. Knowing that taking Emi off the team wouldn't hurt his team's viability, I asked for and was given the schedule for Ada's two U-12 teams. When I saw that the conflicts between their games and Nina's and Pablo's games were considerably reduced, I asked the league director if Emi could move up. He agreed. So this season, Emi will be playing on a bigger field, with 8 on a side, and some kids who are two years older than he is. Our new coach--who also coaches Nina's and Pablo's team--thinks he's ready for it. I agree.

Emi subbed in early at right forward.

Emi did a masterful job of fielding a forwarded ball with foot and chest before pushing it forward to his teammates on the left side of the field. He took what looks like a strong high elbow from the chasing defender, and the referee stopped game play momentarily because of the rough-play infraction.


Playing right mid in the second half, Emi hustles after the ball and delivers a perfectly-placed lead pass to his teammate, Angel.

Two minutes later, Emi gets past two defenders, hears Sam--our striker--calling for a pass, lifts his head to find him, and delivers a perfect crosser.Impressive!

Emi had a lot of throw-in opportunities. I didn't know he had the running pass in his arsenal, but he unleashed it with a vengeance when he needed to. This perfectly-placed throw-in to Sam almost produces a goal.

For a moment, I thought this left-footed, tight-quarters delivery of Sam's corner got into the net, but it bounced off the wrong side of the post. So close!

"Pass it, Emilio!" And he does--through traffic--very well.

This highlight starts with the roar of the hometown crowd, cheering Emilio for a defensive play not captured in this video. He then manages the slip the ball forward through two defenders to Sam, who delivers the equalizer. After the play, Emi's coach (Sam's dad), calls out to Emilio for making the play possible and gives him an enthusiastic "GOOD JOB!" and a thumbs up. You can also see Mari celebrating in the distance.

Though this play didn't lead to a shot-on-goal, it was one of my favorites of the game. Watch Emi's clever footwork send a defender wandering off in the wrong direction as Emi matriculates the ball up the right sideline.
I'm really excited about this season. Emi will practice with his team for the first time on Monday.