This post is sponsored by Athleta. All opinions are my own.
Ben and I were both pretty active in sports growing up! Ben played baseball, soccer and rugby. I played soccer, basketball and ran track! As soon as the kids were old enough we enrolled them in soccer. We knew based on our upbringing that we wanted our kids to be active as well. Our oldest daughter Ava started playing soccer when she was 4! The others followed suit right after her.
Team sports are always good in my opinion. It gives you a separate community outside of school and church and it also forces you to work with other people on a common goal. Last year with Ava’s team was pretty tough. Her coach was not overly warm and was extra hard on the girls. In addition to the coach’s overall attitude, the team was playing in a league that was advanced and unevenly matched, significantly in skill. They lost every single game by at least 10 goals and never really came together as one. We would have to drive hours to get to games and transport Ava to multiple soccer practices during the week. I think Ava asked us to quit the team at least 2 times per week. In fact, I was happy to let this go as well. Thank God Ben was level headed during this time and he said “We don’t have to be on this team next year, but for the sake of morale and team spirit we are going to stick this out.” And we did. Oh, boy was that tough but I am glad we did.
There are so many ways I can related to Ava and how she felt last year. I had mentioned, I started playing sports when I was 9 years old! My dad really pushed me towards soccer out of everything I was involved in. As I continued to play I began to realize that the girls on my team had a lot more prior training than myself. I managed to be accepted on a travel team but was very aware of my lack of skills. I was extremely fast so that was in my favor, but footwork was lacking. As I got into middle school I moved toward track and field and continued to play soccer. My confidence grew in running but I still felt I was the lowest on the soccer team due to lack of skill. Within a few years I ended up quitting because I didn’t feel like I had what it took to continue in soccer. I really did love the sport.
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My advice to my two Athleta girls is if you’re passionate about a sport and don’t feel that you’re good enough, stick with it. Sign up for extra training and push through. It’ll be worth it. Lucikly, both Ava and Savannah are both very passionate about the sport and have no desire to quit this year! Looking back, I feel like I quit too soon. I will do everything I can to push my girls in the right direction and to stay in the game!
We are wearing the most COMFORTABLE athletic gear from Athleta Girl. I cannot believe how soft the material is! I LOVE my pieces so much from the line but also want to steal everything the girls have! Savannah is wearing the perfect lightweight hoodie. It is perfect for layering this Fall and the thumb holes make it extra cozy!! Both girls received the most amazing shorts that are PERFECT for their soccer practices. They are breathable, stretchy and have a built in brief! They girls keep talking about how comfortable they are! The top Ava has on is just what she needs for the cold evenings this Fall and running around on the weekends with friends! The key hole detail is the cutest and it is made of the most soft material! You can check it out here. Out of everything the girls got, my fave is probably Savannahs mesh leggings! We adore the color, the mesh detail and the super soft fabric. These are perfect for Savannah’s acro and soccer practices as well! Lastly the girls received the most comfortable sports bras to wear at practices! They are reversible, stretchy and lightweight! Sav loves the floral print and Ava loves the solid colored side! Everyone is happy! Check out more amazing Athleta Girl gear here.
All photos by: Mae Batista
I am in the market for new workout clothes! yay! thanks for the helpful suggestions. 🙂
It sounds like you have found some really great sports wear clothing options! It can be so hard to find a company that does it right!
I love it when i find comfortable workout clothes, nothing is worse than blisters all over when trying to break a sweat. Thanks for sharing!
My daughter is taking gymnastics. We will check out these clothes.
I love her hoodie! Perfect for colder fall practice nights!
Ava may not have all the skills yet but she sure looks the part. I was in the same boat when I was younger and it came to soccer.
I love the Athleta gear that they have for girls now! And good job mama on having your girls stick through it, even when it was hard!
Yes! We have such a huge active amount of kiddos here too. Making sure that they have the right gear is so important. Soccer is such a great experience!
Love Athleta gear! these pics are amazing, looks like you guys had some fun while you were shooting.
Kasey ma
thestylewright.com
ATHLETA looks nice and comfortable. will definitely consider this one. i hope they sell this on local markets.
Your girls are so beautiful and SO blessed to have such an inspiring strong mother! Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
I love that you play and workout with your girls! Such a cool mom! I need some cute workout clothes like these to get me more excited about working out! 🙂
Cute workout clothes and it seems like it is comfortable <3 I have to give it a try.
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
So fun! looks like everyone was enjoying being active in their new clothes! i like what I’ve seen from them so i know for next time, if i find them being sold near me, to give them a try!
It is always good to engage kids to sport as early as possible. I can see you and your children are having a great bonding with these sport wear and I love the leggings!
It’s good to involve your kids in sports at a young age. The benefits are physical and social. Besides that, good habits start in childhood.
Good comfortable work out clothing are hard to find. I always forget about ATHLETA. They are really cute and I will check them out.
Loving these workout clothes and such a great message and lesson you’ve taught them!
Kileen
cute & little
I love the message and the lesson you’ve taught your girls! These outfits are so cute I love Athleta clothes!
Such cute athletic wear! I should really look into for post baby time! They seem to be pretty comfortable and so cute!
Ooo I love the leggings most of all too! It’s wonderful you are instilling an active lifestyle in your kids. I played soccer too – it’s a great team sport!
I love ATHLETE! It’s such a cute brand!
Athleta makes the best pieces! glad you and your family are so active!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
I love Athleta! I played soccer and did competitive cheer all through high schooL! Love team sports!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Such cute photos! i love your sports bra!
I love Athleta workout clothes! You and your daughters look great!
xo, Laura
You look fabulous! I’ve always wanted to try their brand.
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They look so cute in their active wear.