Perfect Ending to a Perfect Season

This is my final video reflection! Can't wait for next season :)

Buddies help out players

Until Next Semester...

Xander, an athlete at TOPS kicks and scores a goal during warm up time

Farewell, LYSA!

This is my final reflection on my time as a LYSA TOPSoccer volunteer!  Included is some advice for future volunteers, as well as my thoughts on the best and most challenging parts of the season.  Hope you have enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed my experience as a volunteer and blogger!

A Final Goodbye

This is my final video reflection on the time I got to spend with LYSA TOPSoccer. In the video you'll find an inside look into what it's like to be a volunteer "buddy". I also share my favorite and most challenging moments I encountered volunteering with this program. I hope you all enjoy!

Ups and Downs

5 Tips for Future LYSA TOPSoccer Volunteers

After a long season full of physical stress, conquering emotional difficulties, and dragging myself out of my dorm room every Sunday morning, my time with LYSA TOPSoccer has come to an end. In recognition of a great season, TOPSoccer athletes, coaches, and volunteers joined together at Henry Clay High School to look back on the fall session and give awards to recognized athletes and family members.

In reminiscence of this season, I would like to dedicate this post to future volunteers and give them the top 5 tips they should learn before volunteering with this program. I know that this was a difficult learning experience for me, and I would've loved some advice before entering the program, so that's exactly what I've set out to do today, give some helpful advice :)

#5: Communicate

At first, I was very intimidated to work hands on with my buddy. I was afraid he wouldn't understand me, or would quickly become frustrated and aggressive like I had seen him behave with the coaches. However, I found that if you just get on your player's level, share eye contact, and truly let them know you're welcome to whatever they're feeling, they quickly open up to you. Using the right communication skills with your athlete will allow them to be open and comfortable with you, leading to a better experience for you both.

#4: Be yourself

It can be very tempting to change who you are or how you behave around the athletes with disabilities -- DON'T do this! The coaches and staff have chosen you as a volunteer for a reason! More than likely, you're capable of working with others, you're comfortable in your own shoes, and you're easy to talk to. That's exactly what these athletes need in a buddy: someone they can look up to. Don't change who you are just to fit in or make the time pass quicker. If you allow yourself to be present and open, you'll learn something about your athlete as well as yourself.

#3: Treat the athletes with equal respect

In any situation, I like to apply the golden rule: "treat others the way you want to be treated". These athletes are unique and beautiful just the way they are. Even though they may be different than yourself, I invite you to treat them as your equal or your superior. Don't talk down at your athlete and make sure they're aware of how important they are as a member of the team. At the end of the day, we are all humans, and each of us deserves our entitled respect.

#2: Be patient

Working with one athlete every week can become repetitive, and even annoying. However, each practice is the chance for lessons to be learned and relationships to be strengthened. Even when the practices become daunting and you would rather be anywhere but in the middle of a soccer field in 55 degree weather on a Sunday afternoon, realize that patience is key. Learn to tolerate your impatience and allow yourself to be in the present moment. For example, my athlete, Caleb, loved to run away from the practices. If I let go of his hand for more than 3 seconds, he would be yards away in a full sprint. Chasing after him all the time could be very annoying, but I knew I was the only person there who could get him to return to the practice field. If I had become frustrated and walked out on Caleb every time he ran away, he may have become seriously injured or removed from the program. Your present moment is more important than anything else. Don't let small things get in the way of your experience with this amazing program.

#1: Even if it's not required, go to the practices

Although CIS 112 only requires students to receive 10 hours of volunteering credit with their service learning organization, I would challenge every volunteer to go to as many practices and events as possible. Especially with TOPSoccer it's very important that the athletes buddy is there every week, otherwise they have no one to help them through the practices. Believe me, I know how hard it is to roll out of bed on a Sunday morning and go anywhere. Due to my busy schedule, I was unavailable for many of these practices, which I regret not going to. By the end of my 3rd and final practice with TOPSoccer, Caleb was constantly hugging me around the neck and trying to kiss me on the cheek to symbolize how much he appreciated me being there for him those 3 weeks. I wish I had gotten the chance to grow closer to him. Although there are plenty of other distractions, I would encourage every volunteer to attend practice every Sunday and cherish your time with your athlete. You're changing their lives in more ways than you know.

I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with this program and I want to wish the incoming volunteers a very happy season!

A Round of Applause

And that is a wrap!  LYSA TOPSoccer’s fall 2015 season has come to an end.  

This past Sunday I attended the end of season party to celebrate all of the athletes and their hard work.  It was held at Henry Clay High School in Lexington from 1-3PM in the cafeteria.  

Ceremony Room

My classmates and I showed up early to help set up.  We organized the carnival room full of games and prizes, as well as the dining area.  Rachel and I were put in charge of Halloween decorations - we may have gone a bit overboard . . . oops!  But, I have to say, it was one festive looking cafeteria.  

I was assigned to work the prize wheel.  It was numbered one through eight and each even number correlated to a prize - soccer pencil, vampire teeth, temporary tattoos, etc.  Janice, the TOPSoccer volunteer coordinator, told me that each child had two chances to spin and win a prize.  Well…I did not exactly have the heart to tell the kids they did not win so I let them keep spinning until they landed on an even number.  Again, oops.  

Sweet Joella watching her teammates receive their trophies!

The athletes and their families arrived, all in Halloween costumes.  They first went through the carnival room, making scary masks, spinning the prize wheel, guessing the number of candy corn kernels in a bowl.  Next was lunch, catered by Fazoli’s and Cane’s with a different dessert brought by each family.  

The best part came next: the recognition ceremony.  Each team was called to stand in front of the room as their coaches praised their successes and accomplishments.  Each athlete walked away with a trophy and a smile from ear to ear.  

A player hugging his coach

It was sweet to watch each athlete receive their trophy and recognition, especially the kids I worked closely with throughout the season.  What was even sweeter was watching the parents’ faces as their children were recognized.  It was apparent how unique and rare the experience was to see their child praised in front of an audience, as their children probably do not have the opportunity to attend regular school/sports banquets.  The pride in their hearts and love for their children was written all over their faces.  To have an outside adult praise their child meant the world to them, I could just tell.  

I wish the parents could know how much of an impact their children had on me.  I am sure they think us volunteers show up because it is a mandatory service project for a class that we just want an A in.  And maybe that was the case the first day.  But, it quickly became so much more than that.  These small miracles taught me how to accept everyone for who they are, flaws and perfections and all.  They reminded me that life is one small step at a time and as long as it is a step forward, it is a step worth taking.  I am grateful to the parents for allowing me to be a part of their child’s life.  

The banquet was a sweet end to a humbling experience!

My three buddies

Me and Luc during TOPSoccer practice

Me and Luc during TOPSoccer practice

Looking Back on Lessons Learned

After weeks and weeks of practice, I have seen so much improvement within the minds of all the wonderful LYSA TOPSoccer children. The Halloween themed team party that we attended about two weekends ago was definitely the perfect way to close this amazing season with the most amazing team. It was held at a local high school in the cafeteria, so let's just say we sure had a lot of decorating to do. The other volunteers and I arrived about an hour beforehand to start setting up all of the fun activities that TOPSoccer had planned. We furiously hung streamers, set up games, and decorated as much as we could with all of the Halloween decorations we could find. Seeing all of the dedicated volunteers work so hard to prepare a party for these kids just really shows how devoted we are to this organization.

Team photo from picture day

As soon as the kids started arriving, I got put on bowling duty. There was a bowling game set up towards the back of the cafeteria that I was supposed to man for the next few hours, and I had no idea how popular that game would end up being. To say the least, I could not take my eyes off the bowling ball for five seconds because of how intense the children were making the game! By the time that most of the players were heading towards the food and away from the games, the area I was in was starting to clear out; and around the corner comes Damien, one of my favorite players who I ended up growing very close with by the end of the season. He ran up and gave me a huge hug, which ultimately made my day.  The smile on Damien's face when he knocked all the pins down is something I will forever have etched into my mind: pure and true happiness. The impact that I have made on him throughout this past season will be something that I will most definitely remember for the rest of my life.

Player receiving hug during ceremony

After lots of delicious food and desserts, it was time for the awards ceremony. One by one, each of the players were recognized by their coaches and given a giant trophy as well as a giant hug. The pictures that I took during these moments were just priceless, and I could truly see how proud the player's parents were of them. Another thing I noticed during this ceremony was how many teams there were, I was just under the impression that there were the two teams that practiced at Masterson State Park with us on Sundays; but, there were actually a few other teams besides those, therefore showing how widespread this organization really has become through the years.

All in all, this team party truly wrapped up this season perfectly with smiles and trophies all around. The amount of lessons learned and relationships built these past few months have truly impacted me as well as my stance on those in the disabled community.

Last Practice!

Blue Thunder cheering their team name!
(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012)
1

A few weekends ago turned out to be a little out of the ordinary at soccer practice.  I had recently went home to visit my family.  Therefore, I rose with the sun Sunday morning, bright and early, in order to arrive back in Lexington for practice.  I’m sure everyone in Lexington now would agree fall is in full swing.  That Sunday was fairly chilly and wet, unlike our past sunny and warm practices.  It was also the last soccer practice of the fall soccer season.  

The first unordinary thing to occur was for several buddies to change partners for the day.  I did not work with my usual partner this practice, but instead co-budded a young man on our team.  This young man at first sight did not seem as though he needed a buddy, much less two buddies.  He handled any drills the coaches instructed the players to do with great ease.  However, all of a sudden while standing in line during a passing drill, this young man sprints across the field away from the team!  My first reaction was absolute shock.  The thought passed through my head “He will stop.  He is just kidding.”  My co-buddy turned and looked at me.  She said, ”Are we suppose to go after him?”  A few seconds later the two of us and the coach were running across Masterson Station Park yelling “stop, stop!”

He finally did stop, and we learned that nothing was wrong.  He was perfectly fine.  I honestly think he had gotten bored and just decided to run.  He did not act as though he was completely unhappy about being at practice.  In fact, a few minutes later he took off again, only to turn around and say, “I’m just kidding you guys!”  Of course, this did not keep us from quietly surrounding him while he stood in line after his second break for it.

Blue Thunder team season photo
(LYSA TopSoccer, 2015)
2

After all the craziness that weekend, I came to realize not everything will always go as planned.  When things do not go as planned, whether it be working with a new buddy during the last practice of the season or having to chase that buddy across the soccer field, its best to just go with the follow of things.  This can be applied in everyday life.  As a college student assignments, schedules, and plans are always changing.  It is best to learn to adapt to these situations in order to thrive. 

         
References

1. LYSA TopSoccer, 2012, Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/128192516717/photos/pb.128192516717.-2207520000.1447299779./10150804346536718/?type=3&theater

2.LYSA TopSoccer, 2015

Daniel Levitin: How to Stay Calm When You Know You'll Be Stressed

This is my analysis of Daniel Levitin's Ted Talk in London on the topic of medical preparation.  

Daniel Levitin's speech on Ted.com/talks 

Daniel Levitin delivering his speech in London, using effective hand gestures and eye contact.  

Source of Ted Talk:  https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_levitin_how_to_stay_calm_when_you_know_you_ll_be_stressed#t-205541

A New Prosthetic Arm for Soldiers

For my TED Talk analysis, I chose a talk by a man named Dean Kamen called Luke, a new prosthetic arm for soldiers, where Dean talked about creating a robot arm for people, mostly soldiers, who had lost their original. This was filmed in 2007 when this type of technology wasn’t “available right now”, so really the fact that the arm was created as well as it was is quite an accomplishment. Additionally, the prototype was built in under 13 months; in just over a year, they changed countless lives.

First of all, the appearance of the speaker, Dean Kamen, is not one of authority. His hair is messy and he is wearing denim on denim. He should have dressed up nicer considering people are going to look to him as a leader for this movement. The speaker talks in a very monotone voice throughout the entire speech, and if he wasn’t talking about something quite interesting and life changing, then the TED Talk would have been exceptionally boring but would have seemed even worse. His posture is consists of slumped shoulders and makes him look like he is uncomfortable and unprepared to give this talk in front of a live audience (plus over 1 million online views).

He demonstrated with his own arm what the robot prosthetic arm should be able to do and that was very good use of movement. Kamen seemed stiff standing up on stage. He looked like he needed a podium to ease himself.

A few of his jokes went right over the audience’s head. They didn’t laugh when he paused for laughter and that just felt super awkward. When people did laugh, there were maybe 7 audible people. This felt really weird and forced too. There were a lot of uncomfortable coughs during the talk. The video did not show the audience very much until the very end which is not like any other TED Talk that I have watched before. At the end though, when the audience was shown, they were giving a standing ovation for the new technology that they just witnessed. They were amazed by what technology the future holds for us.

This is relevant to my Service Learning organization because they are both trying to better the disabled. TOPSoccer is trying to make mentally challenged children more socially adept and Kamen is trying to help people without arm(s), specifically soldiers, do more everyday tasks such as eating and picking up pens.

Source: https://www.ted.com/talks/dean_kamen_previews_a_new_prosthetic_arm#t-226085

Caroline Casey: Looking Past Limits

Caroline Casey's amazing story is told through her inspiring TED Talk from the TEDWomen conference in 2010; her story is one that emphasizes the wrongs of labeling those with disabilities. She begins with a question, "Can any of you remember what you wanted to be when you were 17?", then moves into an anecdote about her aspirations as a teenager. She says how when she was 17, she wanted to be a biker chic or maybe race cars. When she told her parents of this dream, they informed her that there was no way she could achieve it, because she has been legally blind her entire life. How does someone grow up not knowing they are blind, you ask? Well Caroline Casey explains the answer to this in her speech that discusses how much of an impact labels have on judgements of yourself and others.

Caroline Casey delivering her speech 

Now, the simplest explanation for this is that her parents just did not tell her, so she grew up learning to live with the blindness that she didn't know she had. The important parts of her story, such as this, are emphasized with dramatized hand gestures, lots of eye contact, and lots of humor. Especially during her opening anecdote were these techniques utilized, so that the audience reacts stronger to the fact that she has been blind since birth and didn't find out about it until she was 17. Her hand gestures included lots of pointing, especially when she was showing the audience things that she could and could not see while on stage. The use of these gestures as well as her opening anecdote helped the audience connect with her much more easily. I think the audience was definitely not sure what to expect from the beginning, because you could hear and see their reactions when she told them she was blind. If I were Caroline, the only thing I would have changed about this speech is to have a little less anecdote especially towards the end, and a little more generalization of her story to the entire disabled community because she only had about 30 seconds of that towards the end.

Caroline using hand gestures to get her point across

As the speech goes on,  Caroline explains how her parents avoided putting her in special needs schools. They just did not want her to be labeled as "legally blind" or "disabled" or anything similar to that because they felt that she would fall into a state of self-fulfilling prophecy. With that being said, they didn't want her to be treated differently or change things about herself just because she is labeled as different from everyone else.

So, this TED talk is titled "Looking Past Limits" because Caroline truly wants to show how putting labels on humans with disabilities creates limitations for them, therefore not allowing them to reach their full potentials. This can be generalized to all people with disabilities, especially children, not getting all of the opportunities that they deserve solely because they are labeled as something different than the norm. I think that Caroline's main point here is that these labels are demeaning and the term "special needs" should not be used as strongly as it is now in our society, because that is the sole reason her parents did not send her to a special needs school when she was younger. Also, she never would have obtained any of the jobs she has had in her adult life if they would have known she was considered legally blind. All in all, this sound message combined with her enthusiastic and uplifting delivery created a speech that most definitely resonates in the minds of all who watch it; and in the words of Caroline, "It is extraordinary how far belief can take you".

Link to the TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/caroline_casey_looking_past_limits?language=en#t-31056

In the Key of Genius Analysis

Derek Paravicini playing the piano
at the TEDxWarwick Conference
(Paravicini & Ockelford, 2013)

Those who retain disabilities are often viewed as being limited in their capability to succeed.  Thus, the disabled are often not given the same opportunities given to the non-disabled. This is an issue the LYSA TOPSoccer organization has sought to correct over the past many years.  Once at practice, I was informed that several TOPSoccer participants have been banned from participating in sports leagues because of their minor disabilities.  Such situations clearly demonstrate the current perception of the disabled held by the public.  However, great strides are slowly being made in changing the perception of the disabled’s abilities.  

In a TedTalk titled “Derek Paravicini and Adam Ockelford: In the Key of Genius” filmed in 2013 at a TEDxWarwich event, Adam Ockelford describes Derek’s journey to become a world-renown pianist.  In his presentation, Ockelford tells the story of how Derek was born three months premature and is both blind and retains autism.  He also told the story of how Derek grew to play the piano with perfect pitch and memory from a very young age.  Derek is now nicknamed the Human iPod and performs at a variety of events around the world.  The purpose of this TedTalk is not only to display Derek’s ability as a marvelous pianist, but also to display the heights which the disabled are able to reach if given the chance to succeed.

Prior to the TedTalk, the audience believed the ideas commonly held by the public regarding the disabled.  Many think the disabled are limited in their abilities and can’t reach great heights.  Those in the audience are probably knowledgeable about autism and its side effects, as well as the basics of playing the piano.  Overall, the audience probably expected to hear Derek’s story and witness Derek play a musical piece or two.  However, I do not believe anyone expected Dereck to play the piano with such talent and precision as he proceeded to do.  He once demonstrated during the presentation how to play “Flight of the Bumble Bee” in several different keys, which is very difficult for many pianists. 

Derek Paravicini playing the piano
(Paravicini & Ockelford, 2013)

The presentation, overall, was delivered effectively.  As stated previously, Ockelford began by telling Derek’s life story.  When he made specific points about Derek’s perfect pitch, he had Derek demonstrate his abilities on the piano to prove his point.  He also used several pictures and audio files in his presentation when telling Derek’s background, including many photos of Derek learning to play the piano as a child.  These visual aids helped to convey Ockelford’s message to the audience and keep the audience attentive during the presentation.  After Ockelford told Derek’s background story, he asked Derek to play several pieces, in order to display Derek’s ability to play the piano with ingenuity and great skill. This demonstration of talent proved the point that the disabled are capable of being successful.  Derek even played “Tiger Rag” to show his ability to play extremely complex pieces.  However, throughout the speech, when Ockelford was speaking, he did not always provide great eye contact with the audience and lacked enthusiasm.  Those are the two skills I hope he will improve upon in the near future.       

References

Paravicini, D., & Ockelford, A. (2013, March). In the Key of Genius.[Video file] Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_paravicini_and_adam_ockelford_in_the_key_of_genius            

Rosie King: "How autism freed me to be myself" Analysis

For my TED talk analysis, I chose to analyze author Rosie King's TED talk: "How autism freed me to by myself". I've posted the link to the actual TED talk as well as some screen shots from the speech!

https://www.ted.com/talks/rosie_king_how_autism_freed_me_to_be_myself?language=en#t-18675

I think it's really amazing to see someone from the disabled community accomplishing goals like Rosie. It's a great example for our TOPSoccer community as well as ourselves in learning that we can reach every goal we set. It's mind-blowing to me to think that any of our TOPSoccer buddies could be the next Rosie King on stage at a TED conference. I chose this TED talk because I wanted to find someone giving a first hand experience on what it's like in the lives of some of our players, as well as finding someone who calls out our prejudice society. I think Rosie does an amazing job at both of those!!

Hope you all enjoy my analysis!!

Vlog: Interview with Amanda Rice

Today, I got to interview my roommate Amanda Rice who is a freshman here at UK studying to be a special education teacher! I wanted to get her opinion on the subject of the disabled community! Hope you guys enjoy!

The Importance of Individuality

If you want more info on LYSA TOPSoccer, check out their website: http://www.lysa.org/tops/

Buddy encourages child to practice dribbling the ball

Who is Teaching Who?

Welcome to my first video blog about being a Buddy in LYSA TOPSoccer! Hope you enjoy! 

2015 Fall LYSA TOPSoccer team

Doing Nothing is Doing Something

A few weeks ago, our service group arrived at Masterson Station Soccer Park to find very few players present at practice.  Janice informed us that the previous Saturday many of LYSA TOPSoccer’s players had participated in a soccer tournament in Ohio and would not be attending practice that day.  In fact, my team’s practice had been canceled.  

Participants receiving their medals!
(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012)
1

Janice informed us about the tournament that had taken place the day before.  She said many of the teams had done exceptionally well and had received medals.  Janice recalled how the clinging of medals around the children’s necks had made them all so happy.  I enjoyed listening to Janice’s stories about the tournament.  It made me happy to know that LYSA TOPSoccer players had done so well in the tournament and received the medals they had clearly earned through their hard work and perseverance throughout the season.

TopSoccer player dribbling the ball.
(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012)
2

After we had heard all the stories concerning the day before, we helped plan a Halloween party for the end of the season.  Janice was overjoyed when we said we would be happy to help set up and run the Halloween party.  She talked about how much the children love festivities and celebrations.  She said they enjoy games and the small goodie bags they are traditionally given at such events, but most of all, they cherish the trophies they receive at the Halloween party for the soccer season.  She believes such awards give the children a sense of accomplishment.  I agree with this statement.  These children work especially hard on and off the field to accomplish what comes more naturally to others.  They deserve to be rewarded as such.

After leaving the soccer field, I was slightly disappointed by the fact that it seemed as though we had not accomplished anything that day.  However, I realized I had gained a new perspective on how much the game of soccer means to LYSA TOPSoccer participants and how dedicated the volunteers, such as Janice, are to the players.  

I look forward to the rest of the season and the upcoming Halloween party!  

References

1. LYSA TopSoccer, 2012, Retrieved fromhttps://www.facebook.com/128192516717/photos/pb.128192516717.-2207520000.1446436005./10150812518166718/?type=3&theater

2. LYSA TopSoccer, 2012, Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/128192516717/photos/pb.128192516717.-2207520000.1446436005./10150804346546718/?type=3&theater

Roar for Blue Thunder

Each week in LYSA TOPSoccer presents a new experience, a new memory, a new friend. 

I had the honor of working with a young athlete by the name of Sophie one sunny, yet chilly, Sunday.  Sophie stands very tall at just eight years old and has both a physical and mental disability.  She only communicates through sounds and motions, and often struggles to stand up straight on her own.  

Buddy, Savannah, guides her athlete along
the field through coordination drills.

Jack, a UK graduate student, and I were both assigned to be Sophie’s Buddies for the day.  We supported Sophie both physically and mentally throughout practice.  We each held one arm and guided her up and down the field as she dribbled the ball.  We quickly learned how to communicate with her and understand her version of sign language.  For instance, Sophie only responded when we counted to three upon kicking the soccer ball.  She was also motivated by the goldfish snacks her mom gave Jack to keep in his pocket.  “Desperate times call for desperate matters when she stops cooperating.  She is purely food motivated, smart girl,” her mom teased. 

For some athletes at TOPSoccer, practice is defined as successful when they are able to score a goal or complete the coordination drills, as seen in the photo on the left.  For other athletes, such as Sophie, success is simply defined as being active and practicing the connecting of her foot with the ball.  Sophie did not participate in the team drills.  Rather, the three of us repeatedly circled the field as she practiced dribbling the ball.  We cheered her on, as did her mom from the side-line.  

Blue Thunder athletes playing a 3v3 scrimmage
with guidance from Buddies.

Perhaps the sweetest moment of the whole practice was when Sophie scored a goal in the three versus three scrimmage.  Blue Thunder practice concludes with a small scrimmage each week, as shown in the picture.  Coach Chris requested that Sophie join a team and try to score a goal with teammates by her side.  The opposing team stood back as Sophie, Jack, and I approached the goal with the soccer ball.  Her teammates stood close by, encouraging her to keep going.  When Sophie scored, both teams went wild, praising her work.  I knew in that moment that Sophie understood the magnitude of her actions when she tried to jump up and down, flailing her arms, while screaming.  I was proud of Sophie.  So was Jack. 

After practice, Sophie’s mother thanked us for working so well with her daughter.  She told Jack and I that she had never seen two students connect with Sophie so well.  My heart melted when Sophie gave me a hug goodbye.  While she could not verbally say goodbye, she still expressed her appreciation. 

After stressful weeks of school and missing home, soccer practice with these wonderful athletes changes my whole perspective.  That day, Sophie reminded me that life is a series of small victories, conquered one step at a time.  Sometimes, the most simple of moments turn out to be the most special.  I was honored to have the chance to work with Sophie.  She is a beautiful, inspiring young girl.  

Ready, Set, Match!

Participants having a blast during soccer practice!

(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012) 

References

LYSA TopSoccer, 2012, Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/128192516717/photos/pb.128192516717.-2207520000.1446417718./10150804330936718/?type=3&theater

The Beloved Buddy System

For the past two months, I have been volunteering at LYSA TOPSoccer every Sunday. TOPSoccer is a program that works with disabled kids and adults by teaching the athletes the game of soccer and very important personal skills such as teamwork and kindness towards others. I have always loved volunteering and helping others out and there is a special place in my heart for those with disabilities so I feel like this is the perfect service learning organization for me. Unfortunately, this past week was the last week of practice for the season but I will more than likely sign up to be a volunteer buddy in the spring. My favorite thing about TOPSoccer is the ‘Buddy System’. This system pairs one volunteer with one athlete and they become partners, maybe for one practice or maybe for an entire season or more. This past week, one athlete named Hannah was waiting by the entrance to the soccer fields for her buddy for about 20 minutes into practice. When her buddy, Davis, finally came, Hannah ran up and gave him the biggest and cutest hug that I have ever seen. She kept bragging, “This is my partner and I love him so much. I love my partner”. She cooperated with her temporary buddy until Davis came but after he was there, it was clear that she would listen to him better than she would listen to anyone else. The relationship that was developed between Hannah and Davis is something very special and very unique. I wish I could have developed a relationship like that, but this season I practiced with three different athletes, all for only one practice. This was kind of sad but it gave me a better insight into different disabilities and how different children act and react differently to similar situations. For example, when told to warm run and warm up, Will just wanted to sit down, Luc would only run if I ran too, and Jake would lead that pack around the field.

I found it frustrating that the workers at TOPSoccer just threw all the new volunteers in blind. I walked in for the very first time and was expecting to be given direction but instead I was given nothing. I did not really know how to interact with the athletes or even other volunteers and was pretty confused on what to do during my first visit. The more I went to practice, the more comfortable I became with the coaches, other volunteers, and especially the athletes. 

Athletes and their buddies practice

Disabled extra needs

Will was the first buddy I ever had while working at TOPSoccer and he is not the biggest soccer fan. During the ‘scrimmage’ at the end of practice, I would put him right in front of the ball or put the ball right in front of him and he would not kick it. He would let the ball roll over his feet before he would kick it or move at all. He wanted to sit down all throughout practice and when I talked to him it didn’t feel like he was hearing or understanding me because he wouldn’t respond some times.

Will is the biggest University of Kentucky football fan that I have ever met. I asked, “What about basketball?” and he looked at me like I was crazy. “I like football,” he said. He is dressing up like a Kentucky football player for Halloween.

As he was leaving with his mom, I heard her say that Will would be up in Wisconsin with his dad next weekend. This made me think about how hard it must be on a family to raise a disabled child. All the extra care must be so overwhelming for everyone. The schools are different, the summer activities are different, and there is more of a need for babysitters. Nothing would be the same. I have a cousin who is so severely disabled that the doctors don’t know everything that is wrong. He is autistic and mute plus some other things that honestly I don’t know or remember. His name is Christopher and he is my uncle’s step son. He’s 19 but functions like a toddler in some senses. He communicates with a combination of sign language, grunts, and he tugs on people if he wants attention. He knows when he needs to go to the bathroom but he does not close the door, flush the toilet, or wash his hands. Christopher is someone who will probably not be able to live by himself without care ever. His mom is the primary care giver and if anything happens to her, Christopher’s dad gets custody. After that I am uncertain if Christopher’s older sister or step dad gets custody.

Christopher is a lot of work but he is so amazing. With actions alone, I can tell that he has such a fantastic heart and a good soul and everyone that meets him falls head over heels in love with him. I have wondered a few times if Christopher is the reason that his mom and dad got a divorce but then I see how much his mom loves her new husband and I realize that maybe Christopher put a little bit of stress on the relationship, but they divorced because they knew there were better people out there for both of them. Having a disabled child would be incredibly stressful and I admire those who do it with such grace and elegance.

Me and Will at TOPSoccer