Children's Story

June 2026

M.W. Sturdivant

Jayden stood in the middle of the vast, vibrant turf field. The sun warmed his back, and the faint smell of concession stand hot dogs filled the air. All around him, kids were shouting and laughing as other soccer games began to play on the nearby fields. # Soccer balls thudded against the ground, sneakers squeaked, and the occasional referee whistle pierced the air with a thrilling shrill. Today was his first game! Jayden’s heart thumped in his chest. The field seemed enormous to him, with the white chalk lines stretching far and wide. It was a game, yes–but today, it felt like the biggest challenge he’d ever faced. His legs felt wobbly, and the ball looked a little too big, sitting on the grass, waiting for him to kick it. # Jayden glanced over at the sidelines, and there they were—Mom, Dad, and baby brother Mateo. They stood with the crowd of cheering parents, siblings, and friends. He could see their smiling faces from the field, each one bright as sunshine. # Standing big and tall, his dad gave him a thumbs-up, shouting, “You’ve got this, Jayden!” and Mateo jumped up and down, shouting, “Go, Jayden! Kick it!” Even though Jayden felt nervous, seeing his family made him feel a bit braver. He took a deep breath to focus on the game, but he couldn’t ignore the sounds of all the other games around him. Whistles blew, crowds cheering, and the steady thumping of soccer balls being kicked back and forth filled his ears. # Suddenly, the ball rolled his way. His heart skipped a beat. This is my chance! He lifted his foot and gave a swift kick, the ball gliding away! He chased right after me and dribbled the ball. His family clapped him on. He raced down the field. I can do it! Jayden believed. “Go, Jayden!” His dad’s voice cut through the noise of the field. # Jayden could feel the energy growing inside him. His legs didn’t feel so wobbly anymore. He dashed after the ball, his shoes lightly scuffing against the turf, and this time, when it rolled toward him again, he gave it a bigger kick. The ball zoomed forward, bouncing across the turf toward the goal. Jayden’s heart raced—he had a chance to score. # Mateo’s voice rang out from the sidelines, “Goal! Goal! Goal!” His brother’s excitement filled him with even more determination. He could hear the cheers of other families, and it all felt like one big wave of sound rushing toward him, lifting him. Jayden ran as fast as his legs would carry him, his feet pounding the ground, eyes up and focused. The wind whipped past his ears as he sprinted toward the goal. With a final burst of energy, he kicked the ball hard. It flew across the field, straight toward the net—and in it went! Score! # For a moment, Jayden couldn’t believe it! His team cheered! The sounds of the sidelines grew louder. His parents' roars of encouragement cut through the noise. He scored his very first goal! # The whistle blew! Feet, feet, fwet! Three times with an ear-splitting shriek. The game was over! Panting and grinning, Jayden ran off the field toward his family. # His heart was still pounding, but now it wasn’t because he was nervous; it was because he was excited. “Did you see that? I did it!” he shouted, his voice high with joy. “We saw you out there! You were awesome!” his dad said, scooping him up in a big hug. “You were so fast!” Mateo added, his eyes wide with excitement. “When I’m big, I will play soccer just like you!” # Jayden laughed, a burst of joy as bright as the sunshine swelling inside him. The field didn’t seem so big anymore. The other games and the cheering sounds blended, but none felt as loud or scary as before. # The feeling inside him—the feeling of being brave, strong, and bold grew stronger. He glanced at the soccer ball, now resting in the turf, and knew that trying new things might be scary at first, but with a bit of bravery and focus, he could do anything.