Special Olympics New York and Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) have partnered to launch a new soccer program for children with intellectual disabilities. The program is a free 8-week program designed for ages 12-21. It will introduce participants to basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and goal shooting. The program which is open to the community, offers an opportunity to share in the joy of soccer and being part of a team.
In preparation for Downtown United Soccer Club’s Fall Season, registration for this program is now open. To register, click here. If you do not have an account with Sports Sign Up, you will be asked to create one prior to registration.
Media are invited to attend an official kick-off Saturday, September 7th at 8:30AM at Chelsea Park, located at West 27th Street & 9th Ave, New York, NY. The soccer program will immediately follow at 9AM.
New athletes will meet every Saturday beginning September 7th and run through November 9th at Chelsea Park. The program will foster motor skills development, as well as cognitive and social skill development through participation in age-appropriate and fun activities. DUSC staff and volunteers will work one-on-one and in groups with children rotating through various activity stations.
“We believe that all people, no matter their ability, deserve the opportunity to grow as individuals through programs like the one being offered by Downtown United Soccer Club,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Thank you Downtown United Soccer Club for partnering with us to champion this new soccer program and making a lasting difference in the lives of these athletes.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate in this innovative partnership to provide opportunities for all players to be active and engaged in the beautiful game of soccer,” said Tom Frambach, General Manager at Downtown United Soccer Club.
To learn more about the Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) Soccer Program, please contact info@dusc.net or visit dusc.net.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 150 schools statewide to offer unified sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. Learn more at www.specialolympicsNY.org and #SpecialOlympicsNY.
About Downtown United Soccer Club
Downtown United Soccer Club, Inc. is organized as a 501c(3) not for profit entity to educate, train and inspire youth soccer players of all ages and abilities in a positive, respectful, supportive environment. To foster a community that reflects the diversity of New York City in which children can develop a lifelong love for the beautiful game and realize their full potential as both players and people
