ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Feeling a sense of belonging is an important part of a child’s development and sports participation can help kids feel included. However, for children with autism, it may be challenging to participate in some individual sports.

The Golisano Autism Center hosts a New York State West Youth Soccer Association soccer clinic offering a chance for everyone to play. 

“Sometimes I have trouble keeping friends because of my autism,” participant Gianna Marinello said. “But it makes me smile when I have friends. I help them and stuff like that. So I joined because I really like soccer. And then I also volunteer to help with a lot of kids because I love talking with kids.”

For children with autism, sports have been shown to be therapeutic, benefitting the child physically and socially. 

“It’s been going great,” said Golisano Autism Center Director Caitlyn Stoffle. “Our goal is to give them opportunity, allow them to build upon skill sets that they may or may not have, as well as continue to build friendships and in a judgment-free zone.”

The center has also created a unique physical environment to allow everyone to feel more comfortable.

“The soccer clinic is held here in a safe space and a judgment-free zone for autistic individuals as well as their families,” Stoffle said. “Our gym is created in gear to help reduce noise, and it allows individuals who are autistic to participate in a sport that they might not be familiar with.”

Participants combat stigmas and stereotypes surrounding kids with autism.

“An autistic person can't do something, which is absolutely not true,” Stoffle said. “Anybody can do anything if they put their mind and heart to it. And sometimes individuals might just need a little bit more accommodations. And that's what we're here for, is to help them thrive and have the best quality of life and as well as have that belonging space.”

Participants say just being present at the event is a winning score of its own. 

“They don’t think they have the strength, you know they do,” Marinello said. “A lot of people say, ‘Oh, this is not going to happen,’ but if you stay positive it can happen, and believe in yourself. And even if they don’t win sometimes it’s still fun to have fun with other people.”