coach

When Soccer Sisters was launched, I had to find the name of a main character for Out of Bounds. I had already used my daughter, Lily, in Breakaway, so was searching for some inspiration.

It didn’t take me long. For many years, I was the head coach of a team called the Roadrunners, a great travel team that got recruited to be a part of NY Rush. That team was so amazing and super talented! We made it to the Finals of the NY Cup (lost in PK’s!) and were Champions of many tournaments, including the Delco Cup.

But most special to me were the girls and the parents. Every last one of them was dedicated and just so much fun. All of them, amazing people. There was one girl who came to our team a little later, Makena Ward. She started as a guest player – and would say yes to any invitation to play. Makena is not only talented, she is also fierce and clutch! I loved coaching her. Unfortunately, when the age changes came a few years ago, our team could not stay together. We were split down the middle with some girls born in 03 moving to the older age group.

Our last game together ended up being the championship match at a big tournament called Delco. We were outmatched for size by a great team from Syracuse. Thunderstorms forced us to play the finals inside! It was all a little crazy. We hadn’t had many chances in the game until the final three minutes when Abby, one of our original Roadrunners, who I had coached since she was 8, got the ball and made a perfect pass to Makena. Makena hit her shot left-footed and beat the keeper. GOAL! The other team was stunned, the coach just shook his head. We all went crazy. But, the game wasn’t over yet. They pounded us for the final three minutes! Finally, the whistle blew.

It was fairy-tale ending that I could not have written. People always ask me if I am writing about myself in my books, and I say, yes, there is a part of me in the characters. But, so many of the friendships and moments were inspired by amazing kids like Makena and my daughter, Lily, Kiki, Lauren, Milly, Megan, Ariana, Ana, Olivia and all of my awesome players. When was writing Out of Bounds, I was looking for an Irish name, and I loved the original spelling, Makena. She and her parents allowed me to use it. I miss coaching those kids, but am so happy to see so many of them continue to love soccer.

Thank you Makena for your love of the game and lovely name.

What do I do?

My kid got injured and can’t play! She’s moping around like she’s just been given a death sentence. How do I keep her happy while she has to sit out?

Our star striker Abby putting on a brave face as she gets her cast applied following a nasty wrist fracture.

Coach Andy says:

Remember, getting injured can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be.

At the very start of the season our star striker Abby (a total mini-Messi) was pushed and fell, sustaining a buckle fracture of her left wrist. The injury left her in a cast for four weeks. Not only was it a huge loss to our team, I know it was a tough time for Abby because that meant four weeks of missing out on inside jokes, four weeks of not seeing her teammates and buddies as much, and four weeks of feeling lost, bored and even a bit scared for her fitness – or even, gulp, worrying if she would be losing her starting spot on the team!

Unfortunately Abby isn’t alone. Loads of kids get hurt playing sports each year and have to miss part or even all of a season. But thankfully, Abby’s parents did a great job of keeping her connected with the team. This was crucial: Not only is it important to help your kid heal, but also try to make sure he or she stays involved in whatever way possible.

Abby's teammate gathering around to sign her cast. — Abby’s teammate gathering around to sign her cast.

Here are three easy tips to help keep your kid in the game, even from the sidelines.

Stay connected. Try to attend as many games or meets as you can. Sitting with your team on the sidelines will not only signal your commitment to your teammates, it can also help you learn. Watching from the bench provides a very different view – and studying what’s going right and what’s going wrong on the field will make you a much better player. The same thing goes for practices. Try to be there when you can. It means you’re still just as much a part of the team as before your injury and it will make coming back that much easier since you’ll know the drills and the jokes.
Keep sharp. In Abby’s case, the doctor nixed contact play but she was allowed to kick the ball around on her own. She was able to practice her skills against a wall and even in low-key one-on-one sessions. If your doctor allows you to join in safely then lace up! It’s important to keep in shape and keep your skills sharp.
Enjoy the break. This might sound like a contradiction to what I’ve just said, but seasons can be long and intense – and there’s nothing wrong with taking time to enjoy some of the things you give up to be on a team. Yes, go to practices and games, but if the extra time means you can read for fun or catch a movie with other friends you don’t see that much, it’s fine to enjoy a break. In fact, you might be more fresh and excited than ever to get back out there.

Inside Soccer Sisters – Makena

Coach Andy: Kid Injuries

What do I do?

My kid got injured and can’t play! She’s moping around like she’s just been given a death sentence. How do I keep her happy while she has to sit out?

Coach Andy says:

Connect with Soccer Sisters!