Locals Honored For Founding Special Needs Soccer Program

Two members of the West Islip Soccer Club were honored recently for their work in establishing and running the club’s High Flyers program.

Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron presented Ron Maginniss and Gayle Maginniss with a proclamation recognizing their work in volunteering time to High Flyers. The program, now in its 10th year, was founded with the goal of giving children with special needs an outlet for their athletic aspirations.

According to the soccer club’s website, the goals of the program are to allow youngsters the chance to have fun playing soccer, understand the fundamentals of the game and learn teamwork and fair play.

Each week, participants play for one hour, with 30 minutes spent conducting drills and 30 minutes spent playing a game where score is not kept. Children play in groups each week based on his/her age and ability.