Handstands for GOALS started in 2012 through a little boy’s love for soccer. Charlie Cunningham’s and many other children’s lives are uniquely shaped by an autism spectrum disorder, which makes participation in youth sports challenging. Charlie inspired his neighbor, Michelle Jensen, to organize a two-day soccer camp for autistic children.

Handstands for GOALS wants each athlete to have a rewarding experience – including the opportunity to practice soccer skills on a one-on-one basis and as a member of a team. Despite being a soccer camp, Handstands is more about helping each child feel special and loved.

Each athlete is accompanied by an individual volunteer mentor who knows what training methods to reinforce and to avoid with their athlete. Most mentors are members of local soccer clubs but mentors can have little or no soccer experience and still reach a desired outcome.

With wonderful sponsors and help from people throughout the community, each athlete receives a shirt, soccer ball, cinch bag, and water bottle. There is no fee to the athlete to attend the camp and there are no overhead or administrative expenses. All time is donated.

Handstands for GOALS is constantly looking for what will best help each individual child. We would love your support in Giving Opportunity to Autistic kids to Learn and grow through Sports.