South Delta United is excited to be bringing soccer to kids who have been left on the sidelines in the past.
The SDU Screaming Eagles is an adapted soccer program for children of all abilities - run by coaches experienced with special needs kids.
The hour long sessions will provide a supportive environment for individuals with developmental and physical needs. It will keep them active, allow them to learn new skills and be part of a team. There will even been one-on-one support for those participants that require it from the club's older players and volunteers.
Soon after the successful merger of the Tsawwassen and Ladner soccer clubs to form South Delta United, the new executive made it clear an adaptive program was high on the wish list.
The eight-week program is slated to run Sunday mornings, starting April 23, from 11 a.m. to noon on the Holly Park grass field.
"Starting an adaptive program was on the radar from the outset," said SDU president Rich Zahn. "Our long term vision for the club involves close ties with the entire South Delta community, which I think is evident in our food drives and Christmas toy drive projects. That community involvement means inclusion, and opportunities for everyone to participate."
The plan all along was to introduce the program in the spring rather than squeeze it into the busy winter season when SDU's professional staff and volunteers have many commitments.
"With the club launching its first season this fall, we were pretty busy just making sure our existing programs ran smoothly," added Zahn. "Spring was much better for us in terms of time management and staff coach availability.
"We also felt that for some of these kids, this would be their first introduction to soccer, and doing that in the sunshine and on grass, would be the most pleasant experience for the players and parents."
The cost of the program is $40 and it is open to children between the ages of 5-17 with developmental disabilities. To register or for more information visit southdeltaunited.com
