Orange County Sports Parents Chime in For Love of the Game

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — With the first day of fall come the cleats, shin guards, helmets and shoulder pads. And yes, there is a certain rite of passage in becoming a "soccer mom." Patch asked parents from across Orange County to share in an open forum what they love about watching their children play.

From Friday night lights to Saturdays at the soccer field, driving to and from practices, lessons and extra training all designed to help the kids succeed at whatever they play the most common reason parents place their children into organized sporting activities is to gain confidence, according to our parent panel.

Mothers from cities across Orange County chimed in on their kids, sports, being active and having fun. In southern California, kids do everything from equestrian to diving, hockey to football, soccer to swimming, to cheer leading and Lacrosse. It doesn't matter if it is your child's first game or if they're playing through high school and beyond. Orange County parents love having their children involved in sports, and sharing their successes and learning from defeat.

Read how Olympian Logan Dooley of Lake Forest's mother shared his Olympic journey earlier this year.

For some, that first soccer banner, new cleats and hair bows is enough to swell a parent with pride.

"This picture is my daughter after her first soccer game," Aimee said. "She loves it, and I'm pretty stoked on being a sports mom!"

Mother Eva Cage shared her daughter's dive team photos, saying that there is nowhere she would rather be than watching them build their confidence.

Being a sports parent of school age children is an exercise in patience as well as time management. Homework needs to be done right away after school and before practice to keep the little ones from having to burn the midnight oil. This teaches discipline, drive and can even help cement lessons into their minds before they've had a chance to "veg" out in front of the television or mobiles.

Sometimes, a little sister can be your biggest fan. Mom Christine Cushman, of her son and daughter.

"Softball is so much fun to watch, and see their development and confidence," Mom Shawntees Pierce said of her little players.

A little league action shot was captured by Alisha Schwenn, where her son plays in San Juan Capistrano.

A Lake Forest mom showed her children's multiple skills both on the ice for Aliso Viejo Ice Palace and ACES Club team of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Lopez's other child is currently playing Ice Hockey for the fall season, and will move on to Roller Hockey in the spring.

"Both of my boys are super active and we keep them busy in sports," she said. "They've tried it all, baseball soccer, football even basketball. The key is to find a sport they love and are passionate about."

With a 13-year-old son that plays club hockey, lacrosse and football, and an 8-year-old son who plays ice hockey, roller hockey and football, spare time is precious.

More Lacrosse parents chimed in from Orange County Wave in Dana Point, seen here at a beach team building activity.

"My son came to this camp as a high school student, entering 9th grade," Melissa Payne said.

"He's only 5-years-old," she said. "I didn't think he'd love football but he's obsessed. He never played before and now he wants to play every day and watch it on TV!"

Moving up from flag to tackle, Aliso Viejo mom Vanessa Casares showed her son's love of the game.

"He plays SV Pop Warner, JMM Bears!" she said. "This is my son's first year of tackle after playing six seasons of flag. Football is his entire life and we all love it."

Sports parenting is a family affair, whether you are dragging the littles along to watch big brother or sister play, or you are splitting time between teams and games so that everyone gets to watch. Best of both worlds, for one San Juan Capistrano mom, when one cheers while the other plays.

Amber Flores is that football and cheer mom. Her son plays for Saddleback Valley Golden Bears and her daughter cheers.

"I love my jam packed Saturdays," she said.

San Juan Capistrano mom Kate Gordon's daughter rides with Equiis Elite.

Laguna Niguel Mom Lauren Kutz celebrated her young gymnast all decked with medals from a recent gymnastics meet.

For some adults, as the children grow older, the drive to see their children succeed is sometimes outweighed by the parent's own vicarious hopes and dreams and most moms hope they aren't the one on the sidelines, losing their minds.

Yes, there are some parents who lose their perspective and shout to high heaven on the sidelines only to get thrown own by referees.

No, the little players won't all get full ride college scholarships or be asked to join the high school team. But what they will learn in the process is universally agreed upon by these parents.

Mom Stacy Pollock from Aliso Viejo is married to a professional coach. In his off time, her husband is also a recreational coach for her children.

"In his words," she said, "'let the coaches coach, and let the parents encourage.'"

Do you have children in youth sports? What is the best part of watching them play?