Next Wednesday my spring life changes again. My real estate business will shut down from three o’clock to six o’clock. And Saturdays’ schedules will be non-negotiably altered.

Soccer season for the little one begins anew.

Coaching U-8 soccer is a thrilling, exhausting, rewarding, exhausting, trying, fun, exhausting and one of the best things I’ve ever done. Seeing the girls I coached eight years ago develop into real people – real people who are still playing soccer – is indescribably rewarding. My goal for each practice, each season, is to instill the love of the game I’ve played for 30 years. (I’m 35, thankyouverymuch)

What does this have to do with real estate? Easy:

When we bought our home several years ago, one of my requirements wishes was that we live close to a soccer field. We achieved that; we live a short distance to Crozet Park and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the decision.

At the time, I was coaching my older daughter as she began her U-8 soccer career, and I was (and am still) playing in an adult soccer league. We got what we wanted. We can walk or ride our bikes to the soccer field.

We chose a location that would help us live happily. We now have a coffee shop to which we can walk or ride bikes. There is now a pub within easy walking distance.

Real estate is inherently about community, about being a part of a community. Coaching soccer is one of the ways I choose to participate in my community, and more importantly, my kids’ lives.

Seeing the kids in the hallways of the schools, in coffee shops, in grocery stores, and knowing that for that little time of their lives, I had a impact, is something I encourage every parent to do. If you can connect with the kids, you won’t regret it.

I look forward to the start of every season with the same level of anticipation as I do the end of the season. Hearing the girls say at the end of the season, “Coach, when’s the next practice?!” is enormously fulfilling.