Lasting Friendships

In mid-august, we received a postcard in the mail about soccer starting. I promptly emailed the coach to get more information about the program and how long it would last: practice twice a week culminating in a tournament in mid-October.  Of course, this is not your typical recreation soccer, Far Post, or Nordic soccer programs.  We are talking about Special Olympics Soccer.
One of the coaches of the soccer program is a man named Giles Willey. Giles works at Vermont Systems Inc, which has generously supported Kayla’s Directory. Jessica Valley coaches the more advanced team. I babysat Jessica 20+ years ago with her two siblings and two cousins, all part of the very respectable Willey family from Essex. There are several other coaches helping out as well, all of whom are amazing. They really take their time to teach these players the skills, the plays, and the strategies of playing soccer. As an added bonus, the program is very structured and the routine is the same week after week.
We showed up at the first practice in Essex equipped with shin guards, water bottle, and lots of snacks. Over 20 players and lots of coaches filled the field participating in soccer exercises. I tried my best to prepare Kayla for what might be expected. I told her where she was playing, what it would be like, who she might know, and what she might be asked to do in order to prepare her for a new situation.
Even with all the preparation, Kayla struggled the first practice. She struggled participating and didn’t engage with many players and coaches. Afterward, we were able to have a discussion about why she had had a difficult time and wasn’t able to follow directions. She was pretty clear that it was a new situation and next time she would know what to expect and would be okay. And she was!
She has been going for over four weeks now and loves it! She loves to get there early and warm up around the field, stretch with the group, do the drills, and scrimmage. But what amazes me the most are the connections she has made with the players and coaches. Kayla is the youngest player there by three years, but that doesn’t stop her from saying hi to all the players, giving high fives, and saying goodbye.
All of the athletes work well together, cheer one another on, and support each other. They all have different skills sets and they struggle at different times, but they are always positive. There is nothing more heartwarming than watching these athletes play soccer. Plus, Kayla thinks they are the greatest and looks forward to seeing her new friends twice a week-especially her buddies Connor and Sammy!
As we walked off the field last week Kayla arrived at our car and then ran around to another car. I asked her what she was doing and her response: “Mom! I am saying goodbye to Becky!” What a great way to end the evening.
Thanks SOVT, Giles Willey, and Jessica Valley, for running an incredible soccer program for some truly amazing athletes.