Rain, rain, rain

Sunday morning I went up to Eastcote with two bags of goalkeeping kit for our two U12 Boys teams for a mini tournament.  One of our original 'keepers, Oliver, was down with swine flu (we wish him a speedy recovery), so we needed a volunteer to stand-in.

Most players would agree that when it is cold, raining and windy, standing still waiting for an occasional ball to kick is not top of the list of priorities, but up stepped Jack, keen to help.  With Ravi kitting up the other keeper, one of the other parents and I struggled with straps and shorts from an adult kit that had got mixed in that came down past Jack's knees, but eventually got Jack ready as the first match was starting.  8 minutes one way and off they went, Jack's team drawing (a couple of kicks required).  On the second match, Jack's team won with some excellent hockey. I was watching our other team at the same time so I didn't see it but as our boys dominated I don't believe Jack had much to do.  The third and final match was against the other joint top side.  Our boys attacked repeatedly, but couldn't find the goal, then with just a minute or so to go, the opposition broke out with a clear field towards our D and Jack.  Out Jack stepped to meet the onrushing opposition attacker and met the shot with a perfect kick to clear the ball away to the right.  Cheers and thumbs-up to Jack from all the watching parents, Ravi and I.  Soon after, the final whistle went, and a 0-0 draw.  Both teams equal on points, and goals scored, and goal difference, and joint winners.

High fives and pats on the back from his teammates, grins all round, and despite struggling to get the kit off in time for the presentations, Jack went up for his certificate with the adult shorts dragging round one leg.

Sometimes all it needs is someone to step up and make that one kick in the pouring rain.