Beginning this fall, Columbia United FC and the YMCA will be working together to field new teams of budding young soccer players. The new league is called The Strikers and will give some very important kids a chance to learn and enjoy the world's game in a very special environment.

According to Shelley Ionescu, co- founder of The Strikers, the league will be for children who require accommodations or modifications to the game to fully participate. Because soccer is a game that can be played with varying rules and exceptions, The Strikers will be able to incorporate children who ordinarily cannot take part in the sport in an organized way. The league will be able to provide a fun and safe version of the game that can be enjoyed by children with special needs and their families.

Ionescu, an occupational therapist with Richland School District 2, was inspired to take action and create this opportunity by one of her students. This particular young girl loves soccer and always watches the games being played at recess, but due to certain physical impairments, cannot actively participate. The Strikers will give her the chance to be on a team and play her favorite game while her parents and neighbors cheer her on.

The connection with Columbia United is a strong indication of the commitment of this program. Tripp Miller, United's co- director of soccer, has been involved from the earliest stages and community support for the United teams will be a nice anchor on which The Strikers can rely. Both the YMCA and Columbia United will be providing facilities and instruction, and each child will get their own uniform, socks, and an end of season trophy.

The hope is that The Strikers will give these children an opportunity they otherwise would not have as well as provide families a chance to share time and experiences with one another in a non- competitive environment.

Strengthening the bonds and communication between the children and their families and neighbors can do as much good as the fun of being able to play soccer. Kids will also get a good chance to learn to socialize and play with other children in a structured setting.

While the season is slated to begin in mid- to- late September, The Strikers are still in need of volunteers. Specific information concerning registration and volunteering can be found at the Columbia United website at www.columbiaunitedfc.com/ Rec_Soccer/strikers/.

Soccer is a fast- growing sport in Columbia and The Strikers are showing how the game can be shared with all children and families.