After spending years watching his two brothers play soccer from the sidelines, Brian Hufford finally got his chance.

Brian, 9, has Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), an autism-like disorder. He was unable to participate in any sports until the Fort Wayne Sports Club created the Program for Disabled Children, which utilizes TOPSoccer, a national program developed by U.S. Youth Soccer. The program's mission is to teach all children, regardless of disability, to learn and enjoy playing the game.

“Brian always sat on the sidelines watching, rain or shine,” said his mother, Terri Hufford. “Now he has the opportunity to be out there and have his brothers watch and cheer him on.

“There is a need for a program like this. I don't think disabled children have many opportunities like this, and now they have their chance to shine.”

The program gives disabled children ages 5-18 the opportunity to be taught soccer skills and teamwork. Most of all, they get the chance to be part of a team and have fun.

FWSC's Oliver Reelsen saw the need for a program to give children with disabilities in the Fort Wayne area this opportunity.

The program's current session started three weeks ago and ends tonight. The next session starts in the fall.

“It was a combination of ideas, and I've always been involved with special-needs kids and we saw a need,” Reelsen said. “We talked to the youth recreation (group), did an e-mail campaign and we did it.”

At the program's start, each child was paired with a trainer. The training sessions involved heading inflatable balls and kicking soccer balls at bowling pins and through hula hoops. It ended with a game of Red Light, Green Light.

“It's a social thing, confidence, discipline, reward, organization,” parent Doug Stronczek said. “It is constant positive feedback and a really good program for the kids.”

The program is in its first year and has about 30 participants. Organizers hope it grows and continues every summer and fall. The cost is $40 and includes a T-shirt and a trophy.

“I just want to give back,” Reelsen said. “I see happy faces when the children are out there — just happy faces.”

Brian Hufford is no longer a spectator in the sport he loves; he is a player, part of a team.

“I get nice coaches and a lot of scores,” Brian said. “I succeed every time I play soccer.”