Kickin' disabilities

About two-dozen children are going for the goal. You can find several youngsters participating in the TOPSoccer program of the Lynbrook and East Rockaway Soccer League every Saturday afternoon at Greis Park.

Since April, the program holds free soccer sessions for any children ages 5-18 with disabilities. With the help of nearly 30 volunteers, the young athletes are making their moves, which the club’s president Guy Punzi is happy to see. “They have been very positive, with many children making visible progress with their comfort in the program,” he said.

It was during a phone call with Lynbrook Recreation Director Pat McDermott when the program idea first came up last December. “He contacted me one day and asked if I could give him some advice on how to organize a program for children with disabilities,” he said.

The rest was history, and the young athletes are kicking up a storm, according to Punzi. Volunteers work with the students on progressing each week. The first week was about getting the children on the field and kicking the ball, and by the third week, they were working on dribbling, he added.

“Most all are enjoying the experience,” he said. “Some are having a little more difficulty participating, but even those try a little more every week.”

One particular child is very outgoing and says, “something original about how he let’s the others win so that they feel good” every week, he recalled. And another memorable child, he recalled: “He started out crying because he didn’t want to play, but eventually participated, and was disappointed when that day’s session ended. The next week, he was the first one there!”

For more information about this league, email Punzi at Guyp58@verizon.net.