Holmdel Stallions Bring Kids with Special Needs into the Game

It's Saturday morning, but the Village School all-purpose room is noisy with the repetitive thud of bouncing basketballs, the smack of soccer balls being kicked, the slaps of high-fives – and a half-dozen young kids laughing with teenage buddies.

This is the Holmdel Stallions Top Soccer program for special needs children, the only sports clinic of its kind in Holmdel, where volunteer athletes work one-on-one with kids who require a little extra attention to develop their skills in soccer, basketball, tennis, and teamwork.

"This program is awesome," said Esther Pruscino of Holmdel, watching from the bleachers as her son lined up a shot and made a basket, more than a few times, at the April 2 session. "It is giving my child an opportunity to learn sports he wouldn't be exposed to -- or wouldn't be given the time to understand -- because he needs a longer time spent learning a sport than a typical kid."

The program is run by Daryl Schwenck, a licensed teacher of students with disabilities. She is assisted by volunteer Holmdel students, aged 12 and older. Each child gets a teenage buddy. They work on skill development and the rules of the game.

"This program allows them to be exposed to sports and develop the skills, so that they are not confused and hit with a negative reaction when they are introduced in gym class," said Schwenck. "We introduce them to the sport, get them involved with the activity, and we also work on their social skills and teamwork," she explained.

The one-hour clinics last six weeks, and cost $75. The next session begins May 7, and will focus on sports like tennis, badminton, and Wiffle ball, all designed to help with hand-eye coordination, according to Valerie Marchiano, vice-president of the Holmdel Stallions.

The idea of starting the clinic came to Marchiano after a friend with a child diagnosed with autism told her how much she’d like to sign her child up for a sports program in town.

"Daryl is so devoted and invested in the kids -- and so are the student volunteers," said Marchiano. "One boy asked his coach if he could miss his own soccer game so that he wouldn't miss his volunteer time, because he is so committed to the program."

The volunteer she was speaking of is Michael Diekmann, a 12-year old Satz School student, who spent the session patiently imparting tips to his buddy on shooting hoops and kicking the soccer ball, sometimes refocusing him on the task. "I enjoy it. It feels nice to give back to the community, and to teach them how to play."

"This is a beautiful program," said Gayle Casas. "Here they learn in an individualized program that will reduce their anxiety in gym class. This evens the playing field, a little bit."

Although Holmdel residents are given first priority, the program is also open to special needs children from out of town. To learn more about the next session beginning on May 7, or to register your child, or a volunteer buddy aged 12 and older, e-mail Valerie Marchiano  or Daryl Schwenck.