Noah's week at Wave Soccer Camp

Well I had hoped to send out daily reports (from a father's point of view) on my son Noah's experience at Milwaukee Wave Summer Soccer Camp. But of course it was one of those weeks where one thing led to another and before I knew it....it's Thursday.

Day 1 (Monday)-Noah's excitement level was high, because he knew he would be spending an entire week playing soccer, but better yet, taught by Wave players. The only thing was, Noah did not know which players would be there (but his Dad did).
8:40am: We arrive for registration...Noah is practically bouncing in his seat. We arrive at Hawthorne park in Wauwatosa and Noah bounds out of our Dodge Minivan (OK I guess you can call me a Soccer Dad). He immediately starts to scan the area to see what is out there and if he recognizes any players. His eyes light up as he catches a glimpse of Michael King, the now retired captain of the Milwaukee Wave (not a Favre-esque retirement either)
A little background, Michael King made a special appearance for Noah's 1st grade class in June when he was "Star of the Week", much to the delight of his classmates and his teacher.
Later, as the kids assembled for the first group introduction, they all found out that two more Wave players were there...Deco and Chico (both from Brazil).
Fast forward to 2:30pm...I arrive a little early for pick-up to watch some of the afternoon action. The well-oiled machine of the Wave Soccer Camps had the 70 plus kids divided up into a variety of age groups. Noah's group of a dozen or so 7 year olds was on the field playing "World Cup", basically a scrimmage game. before I even noticed where they were, I could hear Noah's voice booming above all yelling "let's go USA, let's go". I immediately thought "Oh great Noah is going to embarrass himself". Well just a few seconds later I hear Noah's coach (Gabe) yell out "Hey at least one player is cheering for their team!"
Typically Noah will be charging after the ball and running the field, but on this afternoon he was doing his best Nick Vorberg (goal keeper for the Wave)imitation...covering the net, making blocks and clearing the ball away from the goal area.
2:55pm hits and the loud whistle sounds...as Michael King and the coaching staff assemble the mass of kids for one last talk. Much like a combination drill sergeant and coach, Michael commands the attention of all and he provides the last words of wisdom for the day and instructions for the following morning.
Noah loads into the van, covered in grass and sweat and tired from a full day of soccer...ready to share his stories from the day, clutching his new, red soccer ball.

More to come later....