I grew up hating gym class. I was big for my age, so I always felt awkward. I never felt I could do anything right. I saw sports and exercise as something “children” do, not me, a professional working woman.

So, when a good friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in joining her recreational soccer team, I was shocked. Shocked that another female professional was still playing sports and that someone would even consider asking me.

The Moment

She told me that it was a co-ed, “just for fun” soccer league. The purpose was to hang out and make new friends, enjoy the few months we have of summer outside and get some exercise. Well, I was skeptical but said that I would come to watch a game.

The team was very friendly and seemed to be having fun. It wasn’t like gym class at all! Everyone was involved. It didn’t seem to matter what their skill level was. People were cheering each other on. The team lost but looked as if they’d had a lot of fun doing it.

The Change

Before the next week’s game, I dug out runners that still looked brand new from the back of my closet and decided to try for “at least half of the game.”

My new teammates were kind and patient. They explained the rules and kicked the ball with me to warm up.

When it was my turn to play, I went to play defence, as that was where I was always stuck back in gym class. But my teammates would not have it, so up I went to play forward. The whistle was blown, the ball was kicked and I was playing soccer!

I am not going to lie and say it was the greatest game ever. I was confused half the time, constantly out of breath and the ball would not go where I wanted it to.

But despite all that, part of me had fun. I thought that maybe I could try again next week. With each game, things made more sense. My body learned to run again, I could kick that stupid ball and I was having more and more fun.

The Best Part

Looking back, that summer was one of the best. I made wonderful friends, learned how to enjoy at least one sport and was a part of a great team.

Who would have thought that I would love running and kicking a soccer ball? But I do.