All-Abilities Soccer Program

The primary objective of the All-Abilities Program is to provide the opportunity for children and youth of all abilities, including those with special needs, physical and/or intellectual disabilities to play soccer, have fun, form friendships and participate in a team sport. Every child deserves a chance to build lasting friendships, make memories and feel like they belong. The All-Abilities team strives for an inclusive environment where no child is noticed for their disability. It is a place where enormous abilities shine. Our program is fully inclusive, designed and adapted for children with any disability or level of behaviour. Whether they use a wheelchair, walker or wear orthotics, or live with an intellectual, communication (ASD) or developmental disability, we provide support (1:1 as needed) and welcome all on the field. At the grassroots and recreational levels, disability soccer programs can provide regular healthy activity to promote wellness, social integration and physical literacy. At the elite level, high performance programs can provide ambitious and talented disability players with opportunities for achievement in national and international competition.

Soccer is Soccer. In coaching players with disabilities and delivering disability soccer programs, coaches and soccer organizations need to remember this. It is easy for coaches and administrators to be fearful that they lack the knowledge to serve players with disabilities. The truth is that they know more than they realize, and disability soccer does not require them to be disability experts. Soccer for players with disabilities is still soccer, and the skills needed to coach disability soccer are just an extension of the same skills that coaches use already. In limited instances where specialized knowledge of a disability is required to serve the players, local disability experts can be engaged as partners in helping to deliver programs.

2024-2025 All Abilities Soccer - Information Poster

* Due to number of registrants for the Fall Program, all ages have been combined into one session. Coaches will use their discretion on splitting the participants into two groups and the filed will be split into an A half and a B half based on a combination of age and/or abilities.

 

* Depending on number of registrants for the Winter Program, age groups may be combined into one session. Coaches will use their discretion on splitting the participants into two groups and the filed will be split into an A half and a B half based on a combination of age and/or abilities.

An athlete’s safety is the first concern prior to participating in soccer and certain plans and practices should be implemented to ensure all athletes are participating in a safe manner. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a plan which provides important information in case of an emergency. An EAP should be formed or updated prior to participation in case athletes have special medical information that caregivers or emergency personnel would need, should a medical emergency occur. Coaches, parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are advised to have a valid CPR and First Aid certification in case any unforeseen circumstances occur. As well, prior to participation, the playing field should be checked by the coach and/or referee in case of obstructions to the field that could harm participants (i.e.: gopher holes). Involvement is an important objective in making athletes feel welcome and accepted in sport. Sometimes, to include athletes with disabilities effectively, athletes may require additional one-on-one time to develop certain skills. Parents, other family members, and friends are encouraged to volunteer so they can help with practices or skill clinics. Coaches may have little experience working with athletes with a disability, and parents or other family members who have first-hand knowledge of the athlete and their abilities will be able to provide insight on how practices and games can be individually tailored to enable success. In the early years of participation, it is encouraged that the athlete’s parents/caregivers are the ones involved in their child’s sport. Parents and children will grow together, and everyone will learn new skills through becoming involved in soccer. The involvement of working with an athlete who has a disability can be extremely rewarding to both the volunteers and the athletes. Through this experience, knowledge and empathy will be gained. The sport of soccer strives to be inclusive, and with this being a focus, it gives athletes with a disability the opportunities to play with their peers and teammates. Depending on the nature of the disability, some athletes will be able to fully participate in practices and games, whereas others may need modifications to be included. An inclusive environment promotes social skills including teamwork, communication, fun, and understanding, rather than isolation. Having an increased enjoyment for soccer and being able to play with peers encourages a longer involvement in soccer. The longer the athlete is participating in the sport the greater the benefits they will gain from being involved. SYSI strives to have all participants enjoy soccer throughout the entire lifespan.