The best way to become a Soccer Me Maw is to graduate from a Soccer Mom, or at least that is what I thought as I sat last Saturday morning at my appointed place of Me-Maw-on-duty-at-the-Soccer-Complex, but it all was different and in a nice way.

You see, I had only the responsibility to get Pe Paw and me there on time. I didn’t have to lug coolers of sports drinks, no uniforms to buy and laundry, no schedules to hang on the fridge door, no carting around kids, no joining up with the neighborhood car pools, no smelly shoes and bone crushing cleats, bone crushing when your foot happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time to feel the full force of a cleat-attack! Ouch! Yes, I only had to just show up and enjoy!

I wish I could say I have mastered the game, know all of the ref’s calls and decisions, can expound on the positions of the players and their responsibilities “uhmmmmmm, but I’m still learning, somewhat.” I’ve just had more important things to do. I’ll explain.

The year was 1979 or 1980, the year of my first attendance at a Meridian Soccer game. There was no Soccer Complex; actually there was not any organized soccer teams, then Dr. David Makey came to town, and along with other soccer qualified players from the Naval Air Station, the game was introduced to Meridian.

My son, Chris was enthralled with soccer right from his first sighting of the ball kicking game, thus began five years, plus, of the sport all inclusive to the McKee household as number two son, Kelly joined up, too.

No wonder I never caught on to the ins and outs of soccer strategies! I was too busy with the behind-the-scenes preparations, the many phone calls to other Soccer Moms just to check the schedules, the trips for soccer equipment (at the time not always available in Meridian), so this brought on road-trips, plus with two sons now playing it doubled the action, the practices, the smelly shoes, and best of all, it doubled the fun!

It seemed the Spring Session of soccer was the most painful with the weather conditions as we parents shivered under heavy quilts with mugs of hot coffee; yet we were able to yell, “That’s the way to go guys!” while making lifelong friendships with other Soccer Families.

Did you notice I said guys? That’s because it was only for the boys, at that time. I admit even to this day it is a little shocking to see the dainty, pony-tailed ones kick the daylights out of that soccer ball! Those little girls have taken women’s lib to a higher elevation; I like to think, as I admire their guts and courage to ramrod the ball straight through the net. Tiny and mighty is the tone of the day as the runt of the litter, so to speak, can take full control on the field; small, fast and exact footwork will score points to win the game of the day, and running along the field Saturday morning was my granddaughter, McKenzie, daughter of Chris, as she jumped with joy while making her goal!

There is much gratitude given and deserved to all volunteer Soccer Coaches, team supporters, and team family members as soccer has grown to a huge sport, not only in the Meridian area, but statewide. Our Meridian teams have competed with much larger Soccer Teams from the big cities bringing home trophies all of us in the early 1980’s could only dream about.

Our Meridian Soccer League has a complex to rival any other in our state as our government officials made it happen for us, and they continue their support of this family-oriented activity that teaches much more than the sport; but enlightens the youngsters with teams working together to accomplish a common goal, and later as they reach adulthood these teachings will continue to guide their paths.

So last Saturday morning as I sat enjoying another soccer game, and trying to give the impression I knew what it was all about, the plays, the calls and the such … I realized I really do know. It’s all about teaching our young ones to work together, and to find their way with guidance from their Soccer Families and Soccer Friends.

Yes, I am a Soccer Me Maw, so pass the Gator-aide!