They say third time’s the charm, and for Marie’s two sons learning how to play soccer, it's turning out to be exactly the case.
The first two times Marie signed up Jackson and Logan for soccer, neither boy got much out of it. In fact, they “hated it” she said.
Jackson, a fourth grader, has AuDHD, a term for someone with both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Logan, a second grader, has ADHD.
Learning how to play any sport as a kid requires focus. But a young athlete with a neurodevelopmental disability, like AuDHD and ADHD, requires more guidance.
It can be easy for coaches or even parents to mistake their player’s withdrawal or inability to listen for a lack of interest or care.
But Marie knew Jackson and Logan just needed a relaxing environment. A place where they didn’t feel pressured to learn a certain way. She decided to try TOPSoccer in the fall through the YMCA of Lincoln. It was just the second time the Y has offered the U.S. Youth Soccer program.
After the first practice, mom and the boys were on board.
“We left and they asked to come right back,” Marie said.
She likes that every player is paired with a “buddy,” a volunteer who works one-on-one with the athletes. This individualized attention really helps neurodivergent children like her own, Marie said, who are “not defiant, they just need direction.”
As she watches Jackson and Logan play from the bleachers, other parents unfold lawn chairs. Younger siblings kick soccer balls in the grass, not quite old enough to join big sister or big brother, yet. Buddies shout encouragements like, “you got this dude!” and “that was a nice pass!”
During the practice, Claire Cantwell, associate executive director of YMCA youth sports, led a competition to see which buddy/athlete pair could stack the tallest cone tower. Buddies and athletes dribbled around the field. Some passed a soccer ball back and forth. Another pair took turns as keeper and striker.
At its core, TOPSoccer is like any other youth soccer program. It just makes a few modifications to offer a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for any young athlete with a disability.
Take the field, for example. Homer’s Heroes Field is an all-accessible and adaptive baseball field that is a partnership between Sandhills Global Youth Complex and Globe Life. Bases and the mound are level with the field; dugout entrances are wide; the field itself is a rubbery, bouncy material.
The structure of practice itself is flexible, too. One athlete sat with his buddy away from the group, allowing for quieter teamwork. Another athlete didn’t want to dribble, so his buddy suggested they pass instead.
This winter, the Y will expand its adaptive sports offerings with adaptive basketball through Can Play, a nationwide program that helps communities build sustainable adaptive sports programs.
If you or someone you know is interested, registration is now open!