I photobombed this kid a couple years ago. His dad has been playing against me for close to ten years and his mom took this picture before a match. Unbeknownst to me, this boy liked watching my boys and their rough play. When pizza showed up, he displayed interest and they shared a slice.
None of the adults involved actually met each other until this summer when my friends and I formed a type of ignore-the-Lockdown club.
Now his mom is a close friend and I’m playing more soccer than ever (losing the beard didn’t hurt). Our children are friends too and I look forward to seeing his dad on the pitch this coming season.
I can outplay that bearded Jason. I’m fitter, stronger, and smarter than that guy.
As spring approaches, a new Jason is ready for a new season.