Laughter and the thud of soccer balls filled the air as kids moved from station to station at Deanwood Community Center located in Ward 7. With the sun shining brightly and smiles all around, it was the perfect combination for an evening of soccer fun. On Wednesday, April 30, D.C. United teamed up with So Kids SOAR for a special Soccer & Soar adaptive clinic.
Students participated in skills and drills stations where they practiced passing, dribbling, shoot and more. Additionally, there was a blind soccer station for those with visual impairments. Each student was also accompanied by a buddy who supported and cheered them on along the way.
So Kids SOAR is a local nonprofit organization that brings free adaptive athletic, recreational, and skill-building activities to empower youth with physical and developmental disabilities to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their potential.
“The kids that we serve and their parents. They are true superheroes and inspire me to empower more and more youth with disabilities every day,” shared Glenda Fu Smith, Executive Director of So Kids SOAR. Since taking the helm in 2011, Smith has been the driving force behind So Kids SOAR, channeling her passion into every program and igniting possibilities for countless young superheroes.
Committed to helping young people thrive on and off the pitch, D.C. United staff, along with the help of Jacob Murrell and former players, Kofi Opare and Chris Odoi-Atsem, joined in on the fun. “For our participants, seeing their local sports heroes engage with them motivates them to reach for their goals. It also gives them a positive memory they can use to propel them through life, Smith added, highlighting the significance of professional athlete involvement in So Kids SOAR's programming. As part of the culminating experience, volunteers, families and players joined in on creating a special celebration tunnel for the young people to run through and kick shot on goal on Murrell and Opare.
By coming together in the spirit of inclusion, D.C. United and So Kids SOAR reminded us of all of the powerful role sports can play in building confidence, connection, and joy. It's not just about soccer—it is about showing every child that they belong, they matter, and they can soar.
For more information about Soccer & Soar visit, https://www.dcunited.com/soccerandsoar
