Soccer Shots in Syosset Launches New Program for Kids with Special Needs

Soccer Shots Long Island West has expanded its EMPOWER classes for kids with developmental and cognitive disabilities to a second location at the Variety Child Learning Center in Syosset. This class will only be available to students enrolled in the center, however the program is offered to the public at the Brookville Center for Children's Services in Brookville. 

Soccer Shots' program for children with disabilities was the product of parent input in a Texas center in 2016. Kids with developmental and cognitive needs often have reduced opportunities to participate in activities alongside their peers. After testing its program, Soccer Shots Long Island West officially launched classes at the Brookville Center for Children Services in the spring of 2018. 

Soccer Shots Syosset offers three programs, each designed to meet the developmental needs of a particular age group: Mini for kids ages 2-3, Classic for ages 3-5, and Premier for ages 5-8. Via imaginative games and activities, kids can expect to learn the core skills of soccer, such as dribbling, kicking, and passing. Classes are held in various schools, daycare facilities, and learning centers across Nassau County and Western Suffolk County for an annual fee of $50. Cleats and shin guards are not required to participate.

"We have worked really hard to shape the program to build each child's sense of respect, teamwork, and confidence," says Marcela Zuluaga, director of Soccer Shots Long Island. "We want to give them the tools to be good citizens, even though they are very young. It is important to us.

Soccer Shots Long Island West is located at 171 Eileen Way, Syosset. For more information, visit the Soccer Shots Long Island West website or call 516-558-2266.

Image Courtesy Soccer Shots Long Island West