FSU’s seventh annual Kickin’ It For Autism set for April 21

Anna Prentiss — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:42:40 +0000

Members of Florida State University’s national champion women’s soccer team will look to score a win for autism awareness at the seventh annual Kickin’ It For Autism soccer clinic on April 21.

Along with coaches from the undefeated 2023 championship squad, players will lead participants through drills and activities aimed at building their knowledge and enjoyment of the game. FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and the FSU Autism Institute will host the event.

FSU Head Women’s Soccer Coach Brian Pensky said the event is one his team enjoys year after year.

“The players develop drills and show the kids how to run through them. It gives the players an opportunity to show a bit of their personality, to share their love of the game and for members of the community to get to know them off the field,” Pensky said. “Being able to do that, while raising awareness and acceptance of autism is something our entire team takes great pride in. Ultimately, it’s just a really fun event for everyone involved.”

Participants of all ages and experience levels are invited to attend, said Cathy Zenko, director of FSU CARD.

“National champions have a lot to teach about their game but the big win for us is seeing the participants have fun,” Zenko said. “We welcome participants of any age, any ability and any member of the neurodiverse and neurotypical community to come out and play. If participants need accommodations, we will provide them to help make their experience enjoyable.”

The Centers for Disease Control calculates that 1 in 36 persons in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum. With that in mind, Zenko said efforts to increase awareness and acceptance are appreciated — and necessary.

“The experience of being around people with autism, especially for those folks who might not recognize it or who have misconceptions, is a big benefit,” Zenko said. “They take that experience with them and continue to spread awareness.”

Kickin’ It For Autism takes place 2‑4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21 at the FSU Soccer Complex.

Online registration is $20 and is available through April 15. Onsite registration is $25 if the event doesn’t sell out before April 15. Tickets are limited due to the capacity of the soccer field. Registration includes a T-shirt, refreshments and food provided by local restaurants.

To register and for more information, visit fsucard.com.

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Awareness is the goal: Sixth annual Kickin’ it for Autism set for April 23

Mark Blackwell Thomas — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 19:05:51 +0000

The sixth annual Kickin’ for Autism Soccer Clinic with the Florida State University women’s soccer team is set to kick off April 23.

Coaches and members of the team will be on hand to lead participants through drills designed to kindle fun and a love for the game. FSU’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and the FSU Autism Institute are hosts of the event.

Kickin’ it for Autism aims to raise awareness of autism and related disabilities but the goal is for participants to have fun, said Cathy Zenko, director of CARD.

“You don’t have to be good at soccer or a great athlete; you just have to want to have fun and learn something,” she said. “Any age, any neurodiversity, any soccer skill level is welcome and if you need any accommodations, we’ll make them.”

Sarah Buckley, director of operations for FSU’s soccer team, said the event is one that the players look forward to every year.

“They develop their own drills and they’re in charge of showing how to do it and encouraging others,” Buckley said. “It’s a chance for the community to get to know the individuals on our team. I know our players want to help raise awareness, and this is one event where we can do that.”

That awareness echoes long after the event, Zenko said.

“If you’re not around people with autism you might not recognize it or you might have misconceptions,” she said. “One great effect of this event is that you create natural ambassadors in the community who continue to raise awareness.”

In many respects, the event sells itself, she said.

“For the early bird registration, you get a T-shirt, food from Gordo’s and Hungry Howie’s and learn soccer tips and tricks from the reigning ACC champions for $10,” she said. “We would love for this to be our biggest year yet.”

Kickin’ it for Autism takes place from 2‑4 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at the FSU Soccer Complex.

To register and for more information, visit fsucard.com.

The post Awareness is the goal: Sixth annual Kickin’ it for Autism set for April 23 appeared first on Florida State University News.

Kickin it for Autism - Florida State University News

FSU’s seventh annual Kickin’ It For Autism set for April 21

Awareness is the goal: Sixth annual Kickin’ it for Autism set for April 23