The Special Olympics World Games is currently taking place in Berlin, Germany, and Xenia Solcutan has spoken about how the Special Olympics program at North Toronto plays its part in the global mission of improving inclusivity.
Xenia is the lead coach in the club’s Special Olympics program which coaches soccer to children of different ages and intellectual abilities.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
As a lead coach, I plan sessions which progress players’ technical skills, improve physical fitness, and promote positive team dynamics, also communicating with players, parents, and volunteers to ensure everyone is informed and aligned with the ongoing program.
Along with the other coaches, we organize games by selecting appropriate activities that are often further developed or altered to better fit the needs of the kids participating. On the field, I will guide volunteers on their tasks and help with any difficulties; effective communication is crucial in motivating players, resolving conflicts, and building a strong team dynamic.
We lead activities by providing instructions and offering feedback in a positive, engaging manner. Our overall goal is to enhance individual abilities and collective performance while fostering a positive and motivating environment.
What are the best parts of your role at North Toronto Soccer?
The best part of my role is definitely the connections I have made with the participants. Over the past year, I have gotten to know the unique qualities and personalities of every single player in the program; the children participating are full of kindness, talent, and energy. As they have progressed in soccer, many have created and nurtured wholesome friendships with other players and staff. It is so rewarding to witness kids cheering others on, reaching out to thank staff or inquiring in a caring way about other participants.
Playing a part in their athletic and mental growth is an immense privilege and I hope to be leaving the same positive and lasting impact on the lives of the kids, as they have left on me.
Why is the Special Olympics program important to you, and to the community?
As a young volunteer or staff member, Special Olympics can be a transformative experience developing one’s empathy, patience, and understanding.
On a broader scale, Special Olympics participants are contributing to creating a more inclusive and accepting community by emphasizing and celebrating the abilities and strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities, rather than focusing on their limitations.
How did you get into soccer and your current role at North Toronto Soccer?
My younger brother used to play House League soccer with North Toronto Soccer, and he seriously enjoyed his time. Because of this, I heard of an opportunity for House League coaching at the club in 2021. I am a very sociable person, and especially love working with kids, so I applied for the job and worked during the outdoor spring and summer seasons of 2022, as well as the fall indoor season. That was when I joined the staff team of Special Olympics. I have been doing it ever since, and plan to keep taking part as long as possible.
What is something that a lot of people don’t know about your role or program at North Toronto Soccer?
Volunteers, who are most often North Toronto soccer players themselves, make up half of our team, and without the dedication of these intelligent participants the program would not be nearly as successful.
I was surprised to learn the age of these volunteers; some as young as 12 have the emotional maturity of adults. These children and teens form genuine relationships with the players, and find ways to seriously motivate, uplift, and inspire participants. They are able to create a program filled with joy, excitement, and a sense of camaraderie.
What are your tips for anyone aspiring to take up a similar role to you, or looking for a career in sport?
It is critical to be passionate about the sport, caring towards the people you want to work with, and to find joy in your position, giving sessions all your effort.
My biggest improvement tip would be to take notice of the traits of coaches, or staff, you find admirable, and create connections with them. When I first joined, Nicolas Hurtado, the Recreation Manager at the time [now Director of Business Operations], taught me some of the most invaluable lessons to successfully lead children and staff. When joining the Special Olympics team, I learned a lot about the group, as well as many new coaching techniques from Jordy Meyerowitz, another amazing, respected Special Olympics coach. In this way, seeking feedback and learning from those who I aspired to be like at the club is what progressed my own skills over time.
What are your aspirations for people involved with the Special Olympics program at North Toronto Soccer?
I aspire that the Special Olympics program keeps expanding at a great rate and flourishing with more players and volunteers. I also hope that participants will continue to improve by always trying their best, making connections, and receiving long lasting positive memories from their time with the club.
What makes North Toronto Soccer special?
North Toronto Soccer is a community like no other. Working here only for a year, I have met many people who have had a wonderful impact on my life and made me progress as a soccer coach. In this positive, inclusive, and attentive environment, constant development in soccer for all children is a priority.
The managers at the club take their positions seriously, and are constantly striving to improve the quality of the services by having great personal communication, constant feedback, and unlimited support.
