JUST FOR KICKS INFORMATION
Are you interested in having your child involved in a team sport, developing social relationships and getting some exercise? If your child is on the autism spectrum Just for Kicks may be right for you.
The East Islip Soccer Club is offering a program designed specifically for children on the Autism spectrum to promote an interest in soccer. This program will provide the children with the opportunity to learn basic soccer skills while building self esteem and having fun. Many children on the spectrum have sensory issues which may interfere with their ability to participate in a typical soccer setting. In an effort to help the children feel more comfortable on the field, no other games or practices will take place on the adjacent fields, therefore eliminating distractions — i.e. crowds of cheering people, game whistles, etc….
Just for Kicks is open to children between the ages of 5 and 14. Each child will have at least one possible two instructors helping them along the way. These instructors are between the ages of 12 and 20. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
If you have any questions please contact Louis Pepe at 516-885-1087
IF WE HAVE A WEATHER ISSUE AND WE NEED TO CANCEL I WILL EMAIL EVERYONE AROUND 3:00 AND I WILL TRY AND HAVE IT POSTED TO THE WEBSITE.
- Please be sure your child wears shin guards. There are ones that slip in that may not have an impact if your child has sensory issues. If the shin guards are an issue please do not push the issue and leave them out….but let us know that they are not on. Try to wear soccer shoes but sneakers are ok but not suggested.
- When you come to the field your child will be met by me or one of our other adult instructors. We will then hand of your child to one possible two of our teenage instructors. At this point it is important to tell the instructor some helpful tips to motivate your child. Is there a reward system (after soccer we get pizza, they like hearing certain instructions, do they get stuck on certain phrases, does he/she have sensory issues, does your child work better with a boy or girl instructor) WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO REDIRECT YOUR CHILD TO GET BACK ON TASK?
- If you have a water bottle please give it to the instructor if you think that your child will be going back and forth and use the idea of getting water as a reason to get off task. (only necessary if you think it is an issue)
- We have our friends from Stony Brook University sending us college student that have a focus on education to help our instructors do their job.
- We try and keep the same routine each week. The first 10 minutes small skills work, next 20 minutes trying to get your child involved with small social group playing soccer, passing …etc…, the last 30 minutes we scrimmage each other.
- The scrimmage is based upon ability not age….this may change from week to week. If your child does not want to participate be patient….maybe the following week he/she will)
- Our instructors are all teenage instructors, most have been doing this with us for years…some are new at this… we are working at making them more proficient at their job…be patient…but help them be empowered by telling them about your child prior to the start.
- We use stickers as a reward system….if you want to make a contribution to the program….please bring extra stickers so we can use it for all of the kids.
- Our friends Kathleen McGoldrick and Sharon Cuff at Stony brook University put in place a program to help train our instructors and we are working on the training as the season moves along.
- We will provide a uniform shirt…our club colors are blue shorts and red socks. Please try and purchase them at soccer sticks in East Islip.
- This program is not just about learning how play soccer but more importantly helping your child build confidence with their peer group.
