Initially it had the look of one of dozens of soccer camps that can be found around Kansas City on any given day. All the normal elements were present: Kids grouped together in different areas on the field attempting various skills, coaches giving encouragement, rows of balls, water bottles and parents.
On a little closer look a couple unusual things did stand out though. The coaches at this camp were not your run of the mill local coaches. They were professional players with Sporting Kansas City. These kids were kicking balls and enjoying life with an enthusiasm not always found in a run of the mill soccer camp as well.
The kids all had a disability of some kind, mental or physical, but they did not let that stop them. They tried, they accomplished. Every pass built confidence, each goal scored was a celebration. These kids will probably not play on any local club teams but they may use the knowledge and confidence from the camp to go on and compete in the Special Olympics.
Sporting KC players Luke Sassano, Graham Zusi, Kevin Ellis and Seth Sinovic at time looked like big kids with huge smiles on their faces. " It was really fun! We had a great time with the kids. It's always great to see their smiles "Sassano beamed. " I think we had a better time than the kids, we really enjoyed them letting us come out here play with them, have some soccer and have some fun."
Afterwards the players stayed until every kid had as many autographs as they wanted and posed for photos with the kids and families. For several minutes after all of the kids and families had left, the players were still there soaking it in and smiling.
The camp was put on by the National Sports Center for the Disabled and Sporting Kansas City at the team's Swope Park training facility; one of several camps the NSCD has put on each year.
"Ever since we came to Kansas City we've had support from the Wizards, now Sporting KC and they are great support for us," explained Program Director Amy Allen. "They provide the field, their players and they have donated money to us in the past."
Allen gave the impression that she is almost always upbeat but did look concerned when she conveyed the bad news, " It is the last year for this. The funding just wasn't there. Last year they pulled other national funding from other locations but Kansas City was still around."
The local branch of the NSCD is closing and there is only one more camp scheduled for this summer. Allen immediately brightened back up as she added " The good thing is Kansas City Parks and Recreation is still going to provide programs like this for our families with disabilities."
While the details have not been released, the commitment from Parks and Recreation did make Allen feel better. " They will not be forgotten, it will just have a different name.," Allen added.
Contact Amy Allen at 816-513-7571 to find out more information or to get contacts from Parks and Recreation.
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