Blue Thunder
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| The team gathers for a post-practice chant |
The TOPSoccer program is divided into two separate groups of players: children, ages 4 and up, and adults. I volunteer with the children's team, Blue Thunder. Every Sunday I have the opportunity to play with these inspiring children for just one hour. They're mind boggling. Truly. It amazes me to see how they overcome their physical and mental challenges to accomplish their goals as a team. From fields away, their disabilities aren't even noticeable, and that is what I love about this program.
One of my core values is the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. TOPSoccer strives to embody this rule every day of the year. I love seeing the volunteers and coaches look past the player's mental and physical differences. They don't just see their faces or bodies; they see what truly matters: their souls.
Pictured here is Joella, an athlete on the team with Down Syndrome. Joella is for sure the most optimistic human I've ever met. When the team splits up into groups for scrimmages, she loves to play goalie, and finds herself constantly cheering for the other team as the ball rolls under her feet into the goal. One day I asked her,"Joella why are you cheering the other team scored?"
To which Joella cheeringly replied "well yeah but Blue Thunder scored too!"
Before I entered this program, I would've told you this experience was going to be dreadful, difficult, and dry, but its everything BUT that. These children are so upbeat, smart, and hysterical.
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| team gathers under the parachute after practice |
The remarkable kids I've met through TOPSoccer have forever changed me. I'm so glad to be apart of this team and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has to bring!
LYSA TOPSoccer seems like such an amazing organization! It seems like volunteering there has been very rewarding for you! I love how this organization doesn't let the disabilities of the children define them. Instead, they are able to be active and have fun just like any other children. Joella and Mimi seem so adorable, and I couldn't help but smile while I was reading about your experiences with them! I'm sure you have had just as big of an impact on them as they have had on you. I hope the rest of your time volunteering there is just as rewarding, and I can't wait to read about your future experiences!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Taylor I really appreciate the positive feedback! Working with this organization was such a reward emotionally and mentally. If you're free in the spring, they take volunteers then too! check out their website for more information :)
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