by Jess
My name is Steve Flores and I would like to share with you my experiences in coaching children with special needs. I’ve run a soccer program for kids with special needs for the last 11 years. In that time, the program has grown from just a few children to over 60 kids. One of the reasons I think the kids keep coming back to play is the benefits they get from participating in a sport. As the parent of a child with special needs, I know how consuming life can be attending to our kids requirements. We spend so much time worrying about their IEP’s, special diets, etc. that sometimes we might overlook a key part of our child’s development. Kids with special needs can benefit just as much from a youth sports program than any mainstream child. Sports build self esteem, something that I feel is important to any child’s development. Numerous times I’ve had parents tell me how much their child has grown socially over the course of just one season.
When Jason started playing soccer last summer, he was very shy and withdrawn. He tended to not talk to anyone and was content to stay off to the side by himself. Slowly he learned to wait in the drill lines with his teammates, and then he began to get to know everyone. From practice by practice, you could see his confidence grow as he became more comfortable with his surroundings, his teammates, the coaches, and the routine of practice. When you break it down, it’s easy to see why. Many special needs children don’t mix as freely in the community as the non disabled. Playing on a team requires kids to participate in weekly practices, getting them out of the house and into the community. Practice offers the chance to exercise, learn new skills, and make friends. The camaraderie built at practice is invaluable. For those of us who have played on a team, participated in an activity and belonged to a group; those experiences last a lifetime. On game day Saturday, everyone is excited to play. I’ve had parents tell me “Josh was up at 5:00AM dressed and ready to play, and he didn’t take it off until Sunday morning!” the experience of putting on a uniform and playing on a team is memorable for everyone!
Our local VIP program is run through AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) we typically play against other neighboring VIP teams throughout the season. The excitement of traveling to play against an unfamiliar opponent is exciting to the kids. Traveling to away games offers the kids to go outside their comfort zone and learn to play in new surroundings against new competition. When the program first started, I initially had problems with a few parents who were concerned that playing against other teams would not benefit their children. They were concerned the kids would be “shown up” or embarrassed. Those fears quickly disappeared after our first game. The parent of the child who was most concerned was overwhelmed by emotion as her son played his heart out and competed, as anyone would, playing a sport. Since then we have played in dozens of tournaments and against many other VIP teams. The kids truly enjoy each other’s company and look forward to each and every opportunity to play the sport they have come to love.
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The parents of the children in our program have in many cases become very close. The shared experiences and time spent together over the years has created a strong bond. I would go as far in saying that it feels like a great big extended family. I would urge parents to look around your area and see if there might be a VIP program close to you. AYSO is a national organization with “Regions’ throughout the United States, if there isn’t a local VIP program, perhaps you could start one. Our first year we started, we only had 8 children. All it takes is a few parents willing to make the commitment; the program will build momentum and grow. If you build it they will come!
Steve Flores lives in California, is married and the father of 3 children. His son has autism.
http://montebellochargers.clubspaces.com
