2012 Dare to Play Soccer Camp

Dare to Play Soccer Photos

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation launched the Dare to Play Soccer Camp for individuals with Down syndrome in September of 2011 in the Denver area, and the program expanded in 2012 to also include Columbus, Ohio. The Dare to Play Soccer Camp provides an opportunity for males and females age 7 and up to learn the basics, camaraderie and joy of soccer from college and professional soccer players. In Ohio, the campers are paired with members of the Columbus Crew Academy and Columbus Crew for one-on-one attention, assistance and fun.

The Dare to Play Soccer Camp was inspired by the birth of Regis University Men’s soccer coach Tony McCall’s daughter, who happened to be born with Down syndrome. McCall reached out to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, citing Regis University’s charter of giving back to the community, to create opportunities for people with Down syndrome to play soccer.

The Dare to Play Soccer Camp has grown into a collaboration between McCall, Brian Crookham, Director of Operations for the Colorado Rapids and Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation with valued support from Adidas.

The resulting Dare to Play Soccer Camp offers campers athletic instruction and support, and each camper receives a full soccer uniform, soccer ball, training t-shirt and ticket to a Columbus Crew game. At the end of camp, campers attend a home Major League Soccer game, where they take the field at halftime to show off their new soccer skills.