LIVINGSTON, NJ – When the Feigenberg’s started Soccer Circle, a program that gives children with special needs an opportunity to play soccer, as a one-time trial for their children Bobby and Staci’s B’nai Mitzvah project, they had no idea amount of lives they would touch and how successful it would be. Sponsored by the Sports Domain Academy, The Friendship Circle and the Livingston Soccer Circle, the 42nd soccer circle program celebrated its 12th anniversary on Father’s Day.
About 100 volunteers participated including teenagers, specially-trained soccer coaches and adults. Volunteers spent their time teaching the children how to play soccer at a pace that catered to each child’s needs.
Soccer Circles take place four times a year. At each one, volunteers are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the players to ensure that they are aware of the different needs of each participant. The main focus for volunteers is to guide the players and help them have fun.
“Volunteering with these children is an amazing experience that has shaped and developed both me as well as them,” said Bobby Feigenberg. “Having many returning trainees has given us all the opportunity to watch these children grow older and Soccer Circle has become a part of their lives. It is something that they truly look forwarding to attending.”
Author’s Note: “This past Sunday was my 13th time volunteering for Soccer Circle. I can truly say first-hand that it is an incredible program and is more rewarding each time I participate. The day is truly about making someone else happy, which is the greatest reward any of us can achieve.”
Those interested in volunteering for Soccer Circle in the future may contact Andy Feigenberg at andy.feigenberg@citigroup.com.