Wow, just being invited to play for a state national team is a big deal! This also addresses one of my concerns. She (I think) is playing for a club team. A very good club team or she would not have been recognized. I was worried that in playing for AYSO, you can have different teammates every year. But on a club team, you will have many of the same teammates every year. That is what builds friendships. And, many of those girls will also be on her highschool team. And by the way, those soccer teammates will protect her in highschool. Soccer is one of the most team sports out there. You can't have a good team unless the kids are united. She will wind up with plenty of good (and probably, life long friends).
The body image thing is just that - body image. Which is in a way a bit funny because her body is going to really start changing soon. And by the way, the things that apparently upset her (butt and thighs) are the things that provide her the explosive power that she must have. If you start looking at pics of the US soccer team or really good track athletes, you are going to see butts and thighs. And gymnasts are all thighs. It where the power comes from. Now, I don't think that telling her that now is probably gonna mean much. I mean you can watch meets on tv and make subtle comments on body styles and how that translates to power.
Oh, I am curious, what track events does she participate in? Many times, besides the sprint events, jump events like long jump, are favorites.
Anyway, I also think that if she is playing at such a high level - she is also mentally tough. She will figure this out. 8th grade will be no problem for her.
But perhaps what you can do is to simply reinforce the idea that there is a whole movement out there about women power. Women should not have to worry about what others think about their body. It is their body. The should own it and love it. So when you see the high school kids speaking out about shootings, reinforce the idea that they are doing very brave things. They have been ripped apart by the right, and yet, they still keep on talking.
So no, I would not approach her about her body (because, I am not sure she would listen), I remember when my daughter turned 14 and became a whole different person for about 3 years.....and then just turned back into this really awesome person. Oh, if she has had the same soccer coach for awhile and likes the coach...this is a person that can also subtly help out. Don't be afraid to reach out to her or him. They should understand how important a kids self esteem is.
I hope this helps! Keep in touch :)
I taught middle school for many years at all grade levels. It can be tough for some kids trying to fit in. Kids come from their elementary schools with friends already made and then with all the class switching, its hard to get to know kids and make friends if you only see them once a day.
Sports may be really helpful for her. I coached soccer for lots of years. And to still be playing at this age when many of the other girls are becoming very physical is excellent. I am guessing she is either very fast (forward) or can run forever (mid fielder)? Either way, you might start looking into either track or cross country for high school. And, some middle schools have track competitions. But both track and cross country teams in high school spend a lot of time together just sitting around and waiting for events. Its a great way to make friends.
And as I said earlier, there may be some places she could volunteer on weekends that deal with wildlife or even just nature. That can also be a place to find like minded individuals. Hope this helps.