Adults at The Center for Independence Learn Soccer and Social Skiils from Seton Hall Players

Adults enrolled in the Center for Independence in Livingston are learning to play soccer while improving their social skills and making new friends.

Through the generosity of the Capelli Center in Carlstadt, more than 20 adults from throughout New Jersey enrolled at the Center for Independence in Livingston have been learning to play soccer over the past few months on the indoor turf fields. In addition, soccer players from college teams at New Jersey City University and Seton Hall University, came to the Capelli Center to teach the adults soccer skills, play with the adults and have a pizza party with them on December 19.

Kim Rushmore, LCSW, director of The Center for Independence, said the soccer program is a wonderful opportunity for The Center’s adults, who are on the autistic spectrum. “They do not always have many opportunities to hang out with other young adults,” Rushmore said. “They feel special when they play with other “real” soccer teams and are included.”

The Center for Independence, which is part of The Children’s Institute in Livingston and Verona, serves adults ages 21 and up who are on the autistic spectrum and have related disabilities.

“For us, the goal is for them to have real socialization,” Rushmore said. “We have been doing soccer now for eight weeks and they have developed really solid skills. They are so excited. We did not know in the beginning that they would take so enthusiastically to soccer. We see it more as an integrated experience.”

Tony Domingues is employed by The Center for Independence, but also happens to be a professional soccer coach. His passion for the game and The Center sparked the idea for the program. Domingues’ involvement in soccer at the collegiate level helped bring the colleges and the Center together. Students and administrators from New Jersey City University and Seton Hall University said they were excited to participate in the program.

“I think it is great for our kids,” said Patrick Snyder, head soccer coach at New Jersey City University. “There is more in the world than school and soccer.”

Kaydee Murphy, a center mid on the NJCU soccer team from Bayonne, said she enjoyed teaching and playing soccer with the adults from The Center for Independence. “I have never really done anything like this before. You can help teach them soccer and have some influence on them.”

After the adults and college soccer players warmed up, did some stretches and drills, and talked and got to know each other, they formed four teams and scrimmaged on the two indoor fields.

Afterwards, the college players had a pizza party with the adults from The Center for Independence.

“I think it is great to get the student athletes out into the community and to make a difference,” said Roberto Sasso, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athletic Development at Seton Hall University. “We want to let them know it is not just about sports.”

“It is good to have a program like this,” said George Velasquez, a senior soccer player from Seton Hall from Union City. “They are regular people like the rest of us.”

“I love making them feel special,” said Cassie Lubonski, an NJCU sophomore from Edison who plays on the college soccer team.

Adults from the 21 and Over Program at the Felician School for Exceptional Children, a program which helps special needs adults in Bergen County develop life skills, also participated in the soccer program. Both programs, along with Capelli Sport, are working together to build a social network through soccer.

The program was made possible by the generosity of the Capelli Sport Center and owner/CEO George Altirs, who donated the soccer fields and senior coaching staff, for the recreational program. “Without the assistance from Capelli Sport, this tremendous program would never have taken place,” Rushmore said. “We are so appreciative that Mr. Altirs would support us in bringing the sport to everyone.”

For more information on The Center for Independence, please visit its website at www.tciadults.org . For more information on The Children’s Institute, please visit www.tcischool.org.