At Shark Coast FC, we talk a lot about developing players, building leaders, and creating opportunities through soccer. On June 3, those values came to life in a way that had nothing to do with goals, standings, or league tables.
Several members of our USL League Two team spent the afternoon at the Contemporary Learning Center (CLC) in DeLand, Florida, a school that serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The visit was part of the school’s FIFA Week summer program, where students spent the week learning about the World Cup and celebrating the global game.
Representing Shark Coast FC were Weston Desoto, Andre Casas, Mauricio Restrepo, Parker Simkins, Owen Drummond, and Team Host Yaya Santos. The visit was organized after teacher Yisette Rubie Santos reached out to the club with the idea of bringing players to spend time with her students.
What followed was far more meaningful than anyone expected.
The players arrived ready to share their love of soccer through games, conversations, and activities. What they found was a group of students whose excitement, energy, and kindness immediately filled the room. There were soccer drills, laughter, high-fives, photos, and countless moments of genuine connection.
For many of the students, meeting soccer players in person was a special experience. For the players, it became something even more memorable.
What started as a simple community visit quickly turned into a powerful reminder of why sports matter. The students welcomed everyone with open hearts, and the joy they brought to the afternoon left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Our players left inspired by the resilience, positivity, and enthusiasm they witnessed throughout the day. The smiles were contagious. The conversations were meaningful. The memories will last far beyond a single afternoon.
For one day, soccer became more than a game. It became a bridge for friendship, inclusion, and understanding.
At Shark Coast FC, we believe our responsibility extends beyond the field. We are proud to be part of a community that embraces people of all abilities and backgrounds, and we are grateful to the staff and students at CLC for allowing us to be part of their World Cup celebration.
Sometimes the greatest victories don’t happen on the scoreboard.
They happen in the hearts of the people we choose to love, support, and serve.
Thank you to Yisette Rubie Santos, the entire CLC staff, and all of the incredible students who welcomed us so warmly. We can’t wait to come back.
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