Mouth of the River

The ball swiftly rolls into the net, just barely missing the goalie’s glove. The Oyster River Unified soccer team was still down 3–5, but the celebration felt as if they had just won the World Cup.

Oyster River High School (ORHS) offers three seasons of Unified sports (soccer, basketball and volleyball). ORHS plays many difficult teams that may vary in athletic capabilities and may also differentiate in the way that they approach who qualifies as an athlete. This can cause frustration and greater competition, but ORHS focuses more on the support, rather than the score.

Some athletes can get frustrated when the other teams are better or have kids that have an easier time scoring, but that doesn’t stop them. Elizabeth Carty, a Unified soccer partner of 3 years, says, “Our kids have what many other teams don’t — spirit, good attitudes and perseverance. There is joy both on and off the field. Whether we win or lose a game; all athletes and players show up to the next practice ready to try again.” She goes on to explain, “At the end of the day it’s just a game and is fun whether we win or lose.”

Even after tough games and hard losses, it never discourages the team from having fun and still trying their best during games and practice. It can even motivate the team to work harder and get better.

It’s easy for players to get upset during a tight game if they aren’t scoring as much as they want or keep getting the ball taken from them. Instead of getting upset, coaches, athletes and other partners help each other to overcome a difficult situation by helping pass the ball to athletes who have been trying to get a goal all game. Also encouraging them by cheering and supporting each other, which keeps the game fun and enjoyable for everyone.

It’s designed for a fun and happy environment with no judgement for the players. Even though it feels great to win, the team’s goal is to create an environment where everyone can feel free to participate and enjoy themselves without stress and the need to win.

Cam Calato, Unified soccer coach, explained that, “Yes, kids can get frustrated about difficult teams but that can be good for the athletes and create friendly competition.” This can further deepen the connection between the members on the team by connecting due to the tougher competition.

After losing, the team can get upset, but there are always smiles after every game no matter what. Setbacks and frustrations only creates a stronger and tight knit team full of players who are motivated and are excited to participate in the games and show up to practice.

Unified sports promote inclusion and unity between teams and, in turn, the school. This connects children and creates lifelong friendships between the athletes and their partners and connects them in ways that can’t come from just being in the same school building.

In anticipation of the new season, the team will definitely face hard challenges, get frustrated and feel like things may be unfair, but the dynamic of the team will only get stronger — and that’s what keeps the team moving forward and motivated for practice, games and the next win.

-Eva Bebbington