Soccer breakthrough

We met an old friend, Mr. Gang Li and his family in Sichuan Garden restaurant a few weeks ago. Though they only saw Ray once when Ray was four months old, they all remembered Ray, as Ray was a star baby with of a super size.

Gang was a cool guy. He was organizing a Sunday morning soccer camp and acted as a team coach. Ray was invited and that was how Ray started playing soccer in team.
The first week was not too exciting. Ray was reluctant even getting into soccer field.
The second week Ray showed up in team play, but just showed up literally. He stood there like a rock, doing nothing. He even occasionally put his hands into his pockets like a coach.
The third week was July 4th. No team play, just a little practice.

We tried many ways to motivate Ray to join in team play on Sunday training and at home. But Ray seemed not very interested. It was just too early to say Ray was not interested in soccer or team sports.

Here came the fourth week. Ray still put his hands into his pocket, when it came team play time. Dad was so anxious about it. But what can you do? He just stood there like a log. Ray didn't kick the ball even when the ball passed at his feet. It looked like that Ray didn't belong to here. Ray wasn't ready.

But dad is smart! Super smart! Super duper smart! Dad had his plan.
He put Tony in field during water break playing with Ray. Just dad, Tony and Ray.
Ray played.
Then when it came team play. Dad also put Tony in game. Tony blended in like a fish thrown into water. He had no fear at all and carried the ball to mid-field himself, though two and half years old was a little too early to be in a game.
Inspired by Tony, Ray on soccer field started acting like Ray in pool. Man, coach was shocked by what Ray could bring on the table. Even dad was shocked by how much Ray could do. He knew how to use his body to block defenders. He controlled the ball just so well, there was a play Ray was carrying the ball from left to right, from right to left, with a bunch of guys chasing him, but the ball just stayed under his control. Ray was a real soccer player now. It all started with Tony, who made a move.
After the game, dad asked Ray why he suddenly started playing. Ray said he saw Tony played.
It was so inspiring that what a difference an attitude change could bring in. It was amazing. 
This made dad's day.
We are looking forward to next Sunday soccer game.