Soccer Stars

If anyone wants a clear definition of the differences between three and four year olds, volunteer to coach a YMCA 3/4 year old youth soccer team.  Wow!  In my opinion, three year olds should not play soccer.  At least not the type of soccer that is suppose to be organized.  My thoughts might be skewed a bit though by the fact that half of our team was made up of 3 year olds that were just barely three (and mostly boys).  The challenge of the season was not scoring goals but keeping 4 players on the field for 3 minute rotations.  It was a fast paced hour and its amazing how quickly they get tired.  Luckily we had some older four year olds (two that turned five) that could carry the weight.  The highlight of the season for the players was not putting time in on the field but rather eating snacks and playing "Duck, duck, goose" which was used to keep them in one spot on the sidelines and content during practices.  Most importantly though I think everyone had fun and as critical as I was, I would consider doing it again this winter indoors when the three year olds attention spans have developed just a wee bit more.