This past Saturday, Special Olympics Tennessee kicked off the first-ever Soccer Jamboree, an event designed for athletes to learn and play soccer. Athletes from across the state attended the event, where they were coached to help sharpen their skills and compete as a team. There was a blend of experienced soccer players, but for many, this was their first time playing organized soccer. Dribbling, passing and shooting skills were put to the test as coaches ran important foundational drills that will help the athletes as they continue to progress in their soccer careers.
Before the event, the coach's clinic advised current and aspiring coaches on how to better serve the athletes throughout the session. Each athlete received the essentials, such as a soccer ball and shin guards, to use not only during the event but also in their future soccer experiences.
One mother and son duo, Alycia and Blayne Wiggins of Clarksville, were first-timers on the soccer pitch to begin the day. They went into it with an open mind, and by the end felt that it was a very rewarding experience. Alycia served as a volunteer who helped empower and encourage the athletes to be the best players they could be. Blayne is no stranger to Special Olympics as he has competed in bowling, golf and Spring Games. However, recently he has had a newfound passion for soccer. Blayne has been looking to find a sport where he can continue to run around, be active and positively interact with his teammates.
“Soccer is great for hand-eye coordination, especially with vision impairment," said Alycia. "It helps with tracking the ball, staying active, and having fun. It’s a healthy way for athletes to build skills and keep moving."
Despite his interest in soccer, Blayne still had some uncertainty before the day started. He was not sure what to expect or if soccer was a good fit. Those concerns were soon replaced with a level of confidence, as the hard work he put in during the fundamental drills came to fruition, as he netted three goals during the scrimmages.
“He realized he could actually do it—scoring all three goals for his team," said Alysia on Blayne's experience. "As a parent, it was uplifting to see him discover a talent he didn’t know he had. He wouldn’t have had that chance without Special Olympics today."
“I remember passing by another athlete, dribbling about 10 feet and taking the shot—and somehow, I made it," said Blayne about one of his goals.
He continued to talk about his experience, “I’ve tried other sports, not Special Olympics, and I kind of felt pushed away. But with Special Olympics, everybody’s included, everybody’s working together.”
They hope to bring this experience back to Clarksville.
“That’s our main goal, not just for my athlete but for all the athletes in Clarksville, to get the kids healthy and moving," said Alycia about its potential impact. “I think if we bring soccer to the community, more kids could benefit. He’s the youngest in Clarksville and usually plays with adults, so having more kids his age involved would really help.”
The soccer community is continuing to grow, and events like this Jamboree are helping more athletes discover where they belong on the field. By giving them the tools and opportunity to play, more athletes are getting the chance to be part of something special.
Thank you to Tennessee Soccer Club and ESPN for their support of this wonderful event.
