Embracing All Players: Soccer for Autism and Special Needs

Soccer Stars’ Shine Program uses soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills to players of all abilities including individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities such as (but not limited to), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, ADHD and PDD-NOS.

Overview

About Shine Program

We work with a developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by licensed educators and therapists that promotes the complete growth of each individual and encourages players to improve at his or her own pace. We use soccer to enhance peer interactions and provide a safe environment for players to increase social potential.
Please see below for links to our upcoming programming options.

Got some questions about the program? Feel free to connect.

Shine Shadows

Our Shine Shadows are placed in an inclusion setting working at a 1:1 ratio. The Shine Shadow will provide assistance ranging from engagement of the individual child to facilitation and physical assistance in running, kicking or following class directions. The atmosphere of a typical Soccer Stars class supports the integration of children with special and different needs. The goal of the Shine Shadow is to begin with a more hands-on approach and progressively transition into more of an independent process, where the Shine Shadow is used as a general support figure. Ultimately, our aim is to eventually phase out the Shine Shadow altogether if and when appropriate.

At Soccer Stars, we realize the importance of inclusion–to play alongside players who can provide model behaviors. These model behaviors will provide a platform for our Shine players to enhance their own techniques and play experiences, which in turn will increase self-esteem and socialization skills vital to their development and ultimate success as soccer players.

Class overview

Here is our Class Structure

Classes focus on simplifying soccer into specific components while teammates work together to build new skills in a fun, non-competitive and educational environment. Each class follows a structured sequence of entertaining and engaging individual and team-based activities.

Coaches use specific tools and techniques including picture schedules, cheers, and repetition to reinforce communication, aid in transition and increase task completion.

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