Following the successful programs in New Jersey, Houston, Mid-Atlantic, and most recently Brooklyn this September, Cerebral Palsy Soccer (CP Soccer) is forming an NYC team in Manhattan. Cerebral Palsy (CP) Soccer is a non-profit founded to help these kids keep team sport in their lives by offering them a chance to train and play soccer with their peers. For many of these kids, its the first time in their lives where they get to meet others with a physical disability like theirs. Getting to play on a level playing field is an exhilaration many of them have never experienced. These kids have as much spirit, drive and determine to succeed, and when they are on the field of fair play and fair competition, they go all out!
Kids with cerebral palsy who can walk independently are an unforgotten population. Their disabilities are almost universally physical instead of cognitive, so the majority are able to enter mainstream education and participate in mainstream activities. However, when these kids reach middle school age, they often find that they are squeezed out of mainstream activities and sports because they cannot keep up with their able-bodied peers. At the same time, sports for kids with developmental delays are not suitable for them. Kids often go through a period of withdraw and end up giving up sports all together, when regular sports and physical activity is ironically a prescription for their diagnosis.
CP Soccer trains weekly and is open to kids aged 8 to 18 who can walk and run unaided. Many of the kids wear orthotics. Training is geared towards the unique physical characteristics of these children, many of whom have a severely weaker side of the body, low stamina, and poor balance. Training and games supplement their regular therapy activities. Parents attest to physical and emotional boosts for their kids, and emotional benefits for themselves too.
For dedicated players, they hope to help pave the way for them to work towards the US Paralympic Soccer Team.
To join CP Soccer, you must have cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, and be able to walk and run independently. Trainings are free of charge and are open to kids aged 8-18, girls and boys are welcome, no previous experience is required. They welcome qualifying kids from all five boroughs and hope to eventually form teams in each of the boroughs.
Cerebral Palsy Soccer
347-328-3390
cpsoccer.us
