PolygonPat's Mate Striker Schmichaels
Living across the road from a soccer oval Striker
Schmichaels can watch sport while mucking on the
problem. Wanting to go and join in the game but afraid
to do so. It is much easier to watch from the window or
play on the computer than to join in the action.

Sometimes Striker Schmichaels gets up enough
courage and wanders across the road and sits at the
far edge of the oval, watching and enjoying the game.
But always being aware of anyone coming to near in
case a run back home needs to be made. Why?
Because Striker Schmichaels is shy.

Striker Schmichaels realised that one way to
overcome the shyness problem was to make contact
with the soccer club across the road using the internet.
Logging onto their web site Striker Schmichaels found
all the local club soccer information and wonderful
photos of the kids playing soccer.
After surfing the site for a few days Striker
Schmichaels felt a growing connection. Nervously, an
E-mail was sent to the team manager asking for more
information. E-mail's began to go back and forth.
The manager explained everything about what soccer
meant as a sport, recreation, as a hobby and fun.

Striker Schmichaels agreed to meet the team. With
trepidation Striker Schmichaels nervously ventured to
where they were practising. The coach greeted Striker
Schmichaels warmly. Still feeling shy and uncertain of
approaching the other kids, staring at the ground,
Striker Schmichaels barely stammered words out. But
no one seemed to notice. Patting Striker Schmichaels
on the back the kids began kicking the ball around.
Before long  Striker Schmichaels had been playing for
half an hour. It was great fun.
Each practice day Striker Schmichaels joined the rest
of the kids after school. Gradually Striker Schmichaels
shyness diminished. With head held high the soccer
ball began to find its mark.
Finally Striker Schmichaels realised that the two
hobbies of computers and soccer/sport were a reality.
Each week PolygonPat and friends went to the big
game to cheer their mate from the sidelines.
To this day Striker Schmichaels although still trying to
overcome shyness never misses a game.
Would  you like to kick a ball with Striker Schmichaels?
Well soccer balls need arms and legs to move. Can
you help the movement by colouring in
Striker Schmichaels on the next page?
Marks story written by Raoul