Inspiration on a Soccer Field

Musician recently played in his first soccer game.

It was truly inspiring.

Why was it so inspiring?

Well, first of all, the entire team is made up of special needs kids. 

As most of you know, Musician has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  His team is comprised of other players with an ASD, and there are also players who are deaf and blind, as well as who have Down Syndrome.  Basically, if the child is unable to play in a "mainstream" team for whatever reason, this team was created so the child has the ability to play soccer.

The second reason why it the soccer game was so inspiring was because of all the middle and high school volunteers that act as "buddies" for each player, assisting them on the field during play.

It's amazing when any kid volunteers for any activity that helps better the community in any way, and I thought it was awesome seeing all these tweens and teens giving up a weekend day to help kids with special needs.

Some of the buddies are soccer players themselves, and several are football players from a local high school. 

Imagine watching these big and tall high school football players helping a 5- or 8-year old little boy who can't communicate well or who has limited mobility.

Imagine watching teenagers cheer on a tween girl with Down Syndrome or gently assisting a 6-year old girl to stand upright so she can try and kick a ball.

It's quite a sight, and it's quite moving.

The players and the buddies, as well as all of the coaches who volunteer their time and efforts to enable "differently-abled" kids a chance to play soccer, are truly inspirational.

8:05 AM Posted in: autism,personal
Gem is a Hawaii Mom Blogger who posts reviews and giveaways, and blogs about life in Hawaii as a mom of 3 boys, including one with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She loves to travel, bake, and eat anything with chocolate.