My kind of soccer

That is Grandson Walker in black. (Photos by Son Jeremy) 

I don’t know much about soccer, but with a grandson and granddaughter involved, I am trying to learn.

Most previous experiences watching their games occurred in broiling weather conditions. On a June visit with our Baton Rouge family, Hubby and I encountered what is my new favorite way to enjoy the sport—indoor soccer.

The most important aspect was AIR CONDITIONING! 

But there’s more. Walls five or six feet high instead of lines on an outdoor field delineated the playing area. That kept the ball in play except when it went so high it exceeded the height of a net stretched behind and above the goal. 

Only a couple of times did I hear that whistle that is so prevalent in the outdoor games, once for the ball going over the net behind the goal and another for some kind of foul. 

As a result the total duration, including playing time plus stops in action for out-of-bounds balls or infractions, was shorter and flew by mostly uninterrupted. That was the second difference I appreciated.

Grandson Walker on defense

Number Three was the seating that was provided behind those walls around the field. From there we could easily see all the action (Translation: Even soccer-illiterate Nana could see that Grandson W on defense had newly honed skills and was making a difference for his team). 

 

Summer fun

Alas, the indoor version was a short, for-fun, season. Our next soccer experience, whether watching a Louisiana or a Mississippi grand, will once again involve excessive heat and humidity, transporting our lawn chairs across vast expanses to the appropriate field, and chugging water to stay hydrated. 

Regardless of the varying levels of comfort, the opportunity to attend our grandchildren's soccer games is a pleasure.

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