Des Moines Menace Soccer

Weekends can be extremely fun when surrounded by kids who are just so excited to be a part of this world.  I had the opportunity to spend my Friday night with fifty kids around the ages of 12 and 13. Tomas and I took our youth teams out for pizza and to the Des Moines Bucs game and I had a blast. 

Boston’s took on the challenge of accommodating the energetic and lively group of youngsters who inhaled the pizza and quickly moved to mixing disgusting drinks, which they thought I was dumb enough to try, and running wildly around the restaurant trying to stuff their friends into the trash cans.  It did not seem that long ago I was attempting the same adventures.  I envied the little soccer players for they did not have a worry in the world.  Their biggest dilemma of the week was deciding what topping they wanted on their pizzas and that decision was quite simple since I made it for them prior to arriving.

As the pizza disappeared, I had to break several hearts since I could only drive five players from the restaurant to the hockey game.  The drive reminded me of a music video as we rode with the windows down and the music at full throttle.  If we happened to be captured on candid camera, I am sure must of you would still be laughing today.  My cheeks still hurt today from the smile that could not escape the moment.                        

The hockey game was the climax of the evening.  I thought the boys had enough pizza but boy was I wrong.  One of the players won the loudest fan contest and was award another whole pizza, which was gone well before it reached his hands.  The atmosphere rivaled that of any professional hockey game; probably because it was dollar beer night and the most adamant beer drinkers littered the stands.  Anyone who was present could not help but join the boys as YMCA played loudly over the speakers or munch down Krispy Kreams as they brought handfuls from who knows where.  

From someone who enjoys an occasional night on the town, I would not have wanted to spend my night any other way.  There was not much socializing as the Bucs lost in a penalty shoot-out since we all had to get up in the morning for our much anticipated first match, which we won easily 6-1.  I had no idea that my nervousness as a coach would rival those I experienced as a player.  The boys put in a great effort and had fun in the process. 

Coach Joe