Photography by John Fitzhugh
Just as Patti and Kenny Wilson were looking for activities for their disabled children, Allen Pilcher was putting together the Mississippi Coast Special Needs Soccer Association.
The timing was perfect.
Pilcher, who coached his son in recreational soccer, realized there were few athletic outlets for disabled children and adults on the Coast. They watched their siblings play, but rarely got an opportunity to take the field themselves.
Pilcher, with the help of the Wilsons and a host of other volunteers, provides an athletic and social activity for children who might not have one otherwise. The program is in its 12th year. Pilcher is a certified coaching instructor for US Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer program. The Outreach Program for Soccer was created by the national organization to give children with physical and mental disabilities access to the sport. They spend eight months securing sponsors and recruiting volunteers and players for the 10-week season that runs from October through December.
The league is open to children from the six southernmost counties age 3 and older. Players are divided based on their ability. Volunteer coaches, some of whom are special education teachers and therapists, give the players lots of attention.
Patti Wilson said she used to pay a physical therapist to help her children kick a ball. Now they are out playing the beautiful game.
To learn more about the South Mississippi Special Needs Soccer Association, visit https://www. facebook.com/MCSNSA.ORG.