PFC Academy Soccer Team – SeasonedSistah

“For our final assignment tell the tale of your most prized possession. For this final assignment, lead us through the history of an object that bears a special meaning to you.”

I Treasure My Youngest Grandson

Up front, let me say:

I treasure my other four grandchildren, as well.
They are not my “objects,” “things” or “prized possessions;” but they are my “treasures.”
I am grateful for my grandchildren’s gifts of unconditional love.
I have been blessed, while in their presence, with indescribable days filled with joy and happiness.

But, this post is about Cameron James Eccleston. He is a valued treasure; and, I am proud of his outstanding soccer accomplishments as well as his academic achievements.

Soccer

Cameron started playing soccer when he was only three-years-old with a neighborhood recreational program.

Later, Cameron moved up to a:

Summer 3V3 Soccer League, which played against other local, regional and national teams. I, along with hubby, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends went to Orlando, Florida in 2009 and 2010 when he played in the national tournaments.

Fall, Winter and Spring, Cameron played with FC Milwaukee, now known as FC Wisconsin. FC Wisconsin’s stated purpose is “to represent and include the top players from throughout Wisconsin.” It is one of only 80 clubs recognized by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Afte Game Time with Uncle Brian – Chicago, Illinois

To further develop his soccer skills, Cameron joined a local Hispanic Futsal Winter League for three years. Of the fourteen players, he was one of only two non-Hispanic team members.

Last year, our entire family was overjoyed when Cameron was invited to join the PFC Academy Soccer Team when they played for two weeks in Portugal and Spain. He was assigned the Number 10 Jersey, which is normally considered the best player on the team.

While, soccer takes up a lot of Cameron’s time, he dedicates an equal amount of time to achieve his academic goals.

Academics

One of his last middle-school assignments was to create an audio tape about his educational beliefs. When I heard the audio, the tears flowed; and, I transcribed it as a lasting and treasured memory.

“My name is Cameron and I am in the 8th grade at Lumen Christi Catholic School.

I have Attention Deficit Disorder also known as ADD. I have always wanted to succeed in school. So, I know I have to put a little more effort into listening and studying. I study at least two hours a night. It might not seem that much, but the books we have to read are very short.

My friend is very intelligent, but he doesn’t work as hard. For all these years my friend has been getting better grades than me. I have been sort of jealous so I tried to work harder. I believed I could get better grades than him if I worked harder.

The last year of middle school my friend got a 3.0 grade point average; and, I got a 3.5. I was so proud of myself and this is why I believe hard work beats talent.

I will always believe working hard is better than talent. It is better to try and fail than not try at all. This, I Believe.”

I treasure these words from Cameron; and, I want to preserve them to share with future generations in our family.

An Amazing 14-Year-Old