There’s more than one kind of goal in football, especially for participants in a customized program for children with autism, co-organized and hosted by NYU Abu Dhabi. For the kids, volunteers, and parents alike, having fun was the biggest goal of all.
“Parents of children with special needs are always seeking extra-curricular activities and increased opportunities for social integration for their children,” said Suparna Mathur, assistant director, NYUAD Community Outreach. “This partnership between Community Outreach, NYUAD Athletics, and GOALS UAE—a non-profit that organizes activities for children with autism—provides such an opportunity. And it has been very well received.”
Sixteen NYUAD student volunteers—affectionately known as ‘buddy mentors’—were each paired with a child on the autism spectrum to lead a series of activities designed to improve the child’s football skills and coordination. Volunteer buddies also helped keep children on task and develop social skills. Guided by autism professionals and experienced athletes, practice sessions were held Sunday evenings for six weeks at NYUAD’s brand new football pitch on Saadiyat Island.
Volunteers Gloria Jensen and Wesley Huang (NYUAD ’18) agreed; seeing those smiles every week made it all worthwhile. “It helped with my own understanding of what it means to be part of a community,” said Jensen. “I think we were able to create some valuable memories.”
Huang added, “Even if I am having a rough day, teaching soccer to children instills a joy that I cannot truly describe.”
For many parents of children touched by autism, seeing their child play sports or make meaningful connections with other people can be a remarkably emotional experience. While children with autism are often bright and outgoing, they may struggle with communication, social interaction, and physical coordination.
Goals UAE Founder Khawla Barley said, “One mother even teared up when her son came off the field and looked her in the eyes for the first time.”
The program will continue at NYUAD in April, along with other autism education initiatives to mark Autism Awareness Month.
