What does soccer represent to Aven in the novel, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus?

Soccer is symbol of paternal love. Though Aven is not crazy about the sport, she plays because she knows her dad sees it as a bonding activity. She has faith in her father's love for her, a fact demonstrated towards the end of the novel when she takes his advice to try out for the soccer team. This faith is confirmed when she not only makes the team, but also receives the validation of forming a new group of friends, many of whom are the coolest kids at school.