2008 Oneonta Soccer Clinic
5th Annual Adaptive Soccer Clinic - May 3, 2008
We had a
great day playing soccer on Elmore Field at Hartwick College. Assisted by the Hartwick College
men's soccer team, sixteen young people with disabilities participated in our
adaptive soccer clinic. For the first
time, this clinic was open to children with physical disabilities who use
assistive devices, as well as young people with developmental disabilities such
as autism and Down syndrome. 
The young players worked their way through multiple skills drills. One of the favorite drills was soccer bowling where players tried to knock down ten "bowling" pins by kicking a soccer ball. The clinic ended with small-sided scrimmage games. The drills and games were adapted specifically to the needs of each player, enabling each one to participate on the team.
After a pizza party and awards ceremony, the EDD Memorial Fund participants stayed to watch the men's soccer game between Hartwick College and Binghamton University. At the beginning of the game, the participants lined up with the Hartwick players during introductions and the national anthem. What an awesome site to see the EDD participants standing at center field with the players that they came to know during the morning clinic!
At half time, the Hartwick College women's soccer team assisted the EDD Memorial Fund participants in a penalty kick shoot-out on the field. Everyone had an opportunity to shoot on goal with fans cheering from the stands. Initially a Hartwick player served as goalie, but was replaced by an enthusiastic EDD Memorial Fund participant.
This was our most exciting soccer clinic to date, making a full day of fun for the participants. We are grateful for the volunteer efforts of Duncan Macdonald, Ian McIntyre and the men's and women's soccer teams for their help with this clinic.
Photos courtesy of Ed Clough