Surrey FC adapted soccer team offers kids with disabilities a kick at the ball

An adapted soccer program in Surrey, B.C., is giving kids with development and intellectualdisabilities the chance to show their talent on the field.

Many of the children taking part in Surrey FC's new adaptedsoccer programhave never played on a team before.

The program was started by Surrey FC director Rob Bura, who saw a lack of opportunity for his son to get on the pitch.

"I wanted a place for my son to play," Bura said. "He played on a regular soccer team, but it just didn't fit."

Bura said his son spent most of his time sitting on the bench instead of playing.

"The problem is the coaches aren't trained to play with these children," he said.

That's not the case with Surrey FC's new team:Special Olympics of B.C. provided training for volunteers to work one-on-one with the players.

Bura says the extra help has given the kidsa big boost.

"It feels great," saidInmolGill, one of the players."You get the adrenalin pumping up and it motivates you to play more."

Parents hesitant... at first

Bura said Surrey FC had a difficult time getting some parents interested in signing up their kids for the team.

"I think parents don't want to admit to the fact that their child is disabled or developmentally delayed or autistic," he said."They don't want the stereotypethat theirchild is disabled."

Hina Masood admitsshe was one of those parents,but she decided the team could make her son feel included.

"I changed my perspective because I wanted him to be involved in some sort of sport. I wanted him to be involved in the game,to enjoy the game," she said."And I think he is enjoying it."

Surrey FC said it's hoping to expand the program with kids of all agesso they can play bigger games on the full width of the playing fields.