Little one played soccer for the first time when he was 3 yrs. old,  although he didn’t like it we still took him to every game. His motor skills weren’t fully developed, and of course, there were other kids faster than him. However, it was important for us that he follow through with finishing the season.  We talked to him about the importance of team work, and how he played an important role in the team.
Our little man is now 5 yrs. old, and he continues to play soccer.  He’s still not the fastest, or most agile of the team; but he tries very hard to score a goal!  He loves soccer, and has developed friendships with his team mates.
Soccer season in our neck of the woods has ended, but we will continue to practice playing at home. With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil series coming up next year I found it fitting to share a book about Pelé the greatest soccer player of all time.
Little man and I read the book “Young Pelé Soccer’s First Star” by Lesa Cline-Ransome. The story tells of very poor boy with no shoes who dribbles, and kicks a ball made of rags. He shares a passion with his father who also loves soccer, and teaches him to play with both feet.  Young Pelé, and his friends dreamed about forming a soccer team. Though poor, and without shoes the youth soccer team they created came to be known as the Shoeless Ones. Their big shot came when a youth soccer tournament was announced. However, in order to qualify they needed shoes, and uniforms.  When someone offered to help them they accepted, and their team’s name changed to the Little Americas. They went on to play in the tournament winning it with Pelé’s soccer skills.

Pelé overcomes many obstacles to become one of the most famous soccer player of all times. The message that this books conveys is that with determination, and hard work you can be the best that you can be.  It also shares a message of the importance of team work, and good sportsmanship.

These are traits that I want to pass on to our little soccer player! We thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more about Pelé.

On another note, I am super excited to share with you Multicultural Kid Blogs‘ new series – World Cup for Kids focused on the 2014 World Cup that will be held next year. I will be joining forces with other bloggers from across the globe who will be rooting for their countries, as well as sharing ways to explore the participating team’s countries, and cultures. The Multicultural Kid Blogs currently has a contest running to select the photo that will be used as the logo for the World Cup series. If you have a minute to spare please go here, and scroll all the way down to vote for the photo contest on picture #3 and #4. 

 

 

 

Thank you for voting, and be on the look out for the upcoming series!

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5 Comments

  1. You know, I know virtually nothing about soccer. My son played for a little while, and now my daughter is playing – AND LOVES IT. I'm like – oh my gosh, I have to sit on soccer fields now.

    Yikes.

    But I digress.

    Anyway, I heard about Pele, through – of all places – Kicking and Screaming. The Will Ferrell movie about the kids soccer players (came out circa 2005).

    Anywho, it's so nice to know more about him. Thank you! I never took the extra step to learn.

    I really appreciated this post. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Ah Lisa thanks for the laugh! I have a confession to make! I too don't know anything about soccer except when my son's team has the ball, and they are trying to score a goal! LOLOL I have yet to learn a lot on this sport. Luckily hubby knows more, and is the one keeping tabs on everything that is going on in the game. In regards to Pelé I've known about him since I was a kid, and I'm happy to introduce him to my little man.

  3. Love this pictures! Thanks for submitting them to the contest and help getting the word out about it! And just requested the book from our library – looks great! And love that you are using soccer as an opportunity to talk to him about qualities like team work and perseverance.

  4. What a lovely way to introduce the MKB World Cup for Kids series. I love these photos of your son and this books sounds great! I'd love to get it for my girls.

  5. I really like the sound of the book that you've mentioned here, think I might have to get it for my son when he's old enough (he's only 7 months old at the moment!).

    Jonathan

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