The family that kicks together

BRAINTREE -- Keith and Scott Caldwell were kicking the soccer ball around their backyard on a steamy Sunday afternoon, the ball flying off their toes at a rapid pace, flying back and forth like a yo-yo, the family pool just a short distance away.

"They always have a ball at their feet," said Andrea Caldwell of her two brothers.

Soccer is a common thread for the Caldwell clan, but in particular the four children: 23-year-old Keith; sisters Andrea, 21, and Amy, 18; and 16-year-old Scott.

The game was a way for the siblings to interact and entertain themselves at a young age. Years later, the game remains a big part of their lives and has done more than keep them in shape.

Keith starred as a player at Brown University and currently runs two soccer-based companies. Andrea plays at Simmons College, and took her soccer knowledge to Central America as part of a community service project. Amy, who helped lead the Braintree High girls' soccer team to a pair of Division 1 state titles, will play at Boston College this fall. And Scott is a member of the Under-17 national team.

Their introduction to the game is a credit to their father, Larry, a 1970 Braintree High graduate who played in high school, later at Southern Connecticut State University, and had a short stint as a professional player. Their mother, Ginger, was quite the athlete, too, competing in gymnastics and track at Braintree (class of 1970), and she currently owns the Ellis School of Gymnastics with her brother, Dave Ellis.

Married for 27 years, the couple raised their children to try a variety of sports. But no matter if it was basketball, baseball, or gymnastics, the Caldwell kids all seemed to gravitate toward soccer.

"We tried to keep it fun," said Larry Caldwell. "We encouraged them to enjoy their sport no matter what it was."

During the winter, the Caldwells played soccer in the basement and as soon as the weather permitted, they would play pickup games on the open fields at nearby Thayer Academy. The healthy competition then began.

"They were very competitive," Ginger Caldwell said. "None of them liked to lose."

It was not long before their talents in soccer began to show.

Keith graduated from Milton Academy before heading to Brown, where the midfielder/forward was a two-time All-Ivy honorable mention selection. He was drafted by Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, but chose to return to Brown to finish his studies.

"When I was a senior in high school, I would say I wanted to be involved with soccer for the rest of my life," he said. "I've known I always wanted to be a part of the game in some capacity."

He has returned to Braintree, where he started Soccer Edge, a year-round organization that runs camps, lessons, and clinics. He also teamed up with Liz Lima, who played soccer at Harvard University, to run Kick It Abroad, a soccer-tour company that organizes travel for teams of all levels who want to compete overseas.

Among his best soccer memories, he said, were the many opportunities he had to travel to other countries.

"I'll never forget that for the rest of my life," he said.

Andrea Caldwell also discovered that soccer could take her places. As a sophomore at Simmons College, Andrea was selected to join fellow students for a two-week trip to Nicaragua where she took hundreds of uniforms, balls, and shoes for the children.

She also developed a friendship with a teenager, who this year earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona, where she will study nursing. Andrea said that she was so moved by the experience that she returned a few months later and hopes to go back again.

"I'm really happy I did it," she said. "I learned so much from that experience."

When Andrea would return from her visits, Amy said she could always sense the enthusiasm in her sister. The two have grown up the best of friends.

Amy said watching Andrea play soccer encouraged her to pick up the sport.

During Andrea's senior year at Braintree High, Amy was a freshman, and the two played on the Wamps varsity soccer team together.

"I never enjoyed anything so much as playing with her," Andrea said.

Soon, Amy was making a name for herself. She helped power the Wamps to two state titles and has been a member of national teams at her respective age levels. She is preparing for her freshman year at BC.

Fred Marks, her coach at Braintree High, said she has elite skills.

"You almost couldn't knock her over," said Marks, describing Amy's balance. "She's like a cat."

Amy Caldwell is uncomfortable in describing her own play and skills, but gushes when the conversation turns to her younger brother Scott and his invitation to join the under-17 national team in its residency program in Florida.

"I was really happy for him when he got the call," she said.

About 40 players are invited every year to live in Florida where they attend classes and play soccer. This is the second year the youngest Caldwell sibling has been invited to the program. Next week, he will resume training and will join his teammates in Japan for a tournament.

"It's been different living away from home, but soccer-wise, it's been great. I get to play six days a week," he said.

Boston University men's soccer coach Neil Roberts grew up in Braintree and watched Larry play soccer in the 1970s. Roberts said what the Caldwell children have achieved is an example of what athletes can accomplish in any sport.

"That is what sports is supposed to be about," Roberts said. "It's what you can learn from it, the discipline and meeting people. If you're willing to look at the opportunities it gives you, then the doors will open for you."

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.