Buddy Soccer Helps Kids with Disabilities in Aiken

Aiken, SC – It’s a program that was started in early September by two people that don’t even have kids.  Kids with disabilities, ages 4-15, buddy up with a volunteer and play soccer.  It’s the first of its kind in Aiken, and based on what the parents are saying, one that’s long over-due. 

For many, soccer is just a sport, but for these kids, it’s much more.

Will Buchanan, suffers from Down Syndrome:  “It’s great, great, great fun!”

Ginny Buchanan, Will’s mom:  “He doesn’t learn at the same pace as everyone else. So it’s hard, he’s isolated that way. And now with the socialization he normally doesn’t have that so this has really been a blessing.”

Ginny Buchanan’s son, Will, was born with Down Syndrome, and has always had a hard time participating in sports.

Ginny Buchanan:  “It feels wonderful to have someone that loves our kids enough to give the time, because that’s not usually the case. If they can’t, if they don’t have the skills, they can’t play.”

The Buddy Soccer Program gives kids with disabilities, like Down Syndrome and Autism, the chance to play soccer by teaming them up with buddies, many from the USC-Aiken’s soccer team.  John Lesko is one buddy, turned coach.

John Lesko, Buddy Soccer Coach:  “It’s probably one of the most fun things I’ve done.  Just playing with them and then showing them how to play. You can see as the weeks go they’re getting a lot better.”

While it’s all fun and games and no one keeps score, Lesko says there are some challenges they still face.

Lesko:  “I think the biggest challenge is probably keeping them focused on playing, because they get excited playing with their buddies and stuff. I think the biggest challenge is just keeping them focused and trying to play soccer.”

For many parents, like Buchanan, it’s given their children an opportunity they’ve never had before, and shows others that every child is just as special as the other.

Ginny Buchanan:  “It’s great for the community to be aware that they are able to do things at their own rate and that they do like sports.”

Although the season is over, they’re looking at continuing this next spring.  And it’s not limited to the child’s disability, kids who use things like walkers and wheelchairs are also welcome to join. 

The program is free for the children, thanks to donations and the help of Citizens Park.