Who can Participate with the Ancaster Phoenix Youth Special Olympics Team? Boys and girls from 4 years to14 years old who can meet the Special Olympics participation criteria (minimum age for a youth team member is 4 years old); and others with disabilities who will be considered on an individual basis. Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Criteria Any individual, eight years of age or older, who has an intellectual disability is eligible for participation in Special Olympics. Individuals who have multiple disabilities are also eligible to participate so long as one of the disabilities is an intellectual disability. All Special Olympics athletes must agree to observe and abide by the SOC Sports Rules and SOO's policies and procedures. "Intellectual Disability" refers to substantial limitation in present functioning. An intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This exists concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work. Intellectual disabilities usually manifest themselves before the age of 18.

How will the players get divided? We are considered one team so for logistics and ease of delivering the program depending on the number of athletes registered; the groups will consist of a mini group, aged 4 to 7, and an older group aged 8-14 - "new for 2010" 4-14 tournament group. 

How many players are in a group? A group will consist of 10 players, our group plays 5 vs 5 on the field (this includes the goalie), during practices, the sessions will break into groups that consist of 5 players, and ideally 2 adult coaches and 3 peer coaches.

What are the Rules of the game? five a side and each coach has a copy of the session plan, we start with some fun warm up drills, followed up by stretching and then some skill lessons.  At this half way point we have a water break with oranges/watermelons. The last half hour is filled with game competition, and we end with freezes! It is all about fun and at the same time learning some essential soccer skills. Parents/Friends/Relatives are asked to stay off of the Pitch (soccer field) for the session; but are asked to remain at the field for the hour program. All Adult Coaches that are on the Pitch have had a Police Screening.

What else can I expect from this program? Not only will your player gain some knowledge about soccer, gain some cardio fitness; but also some will learn life skills and independence. You as a parent will gain friendships from other families that bring their children into the program to participate in.