Special Kids Get Special Day of Soccer, Fun

Article submitted by Sean Zeitler

As if blessed by a higher power, the clouds broke just long enough for special kids to have a special day at Santa Margarita Catholic High.

The fifth annual TopSoccer Holiday Fest, an event that is put on by the school's girls’ soccer team and Cal South TOPSoccer, provided a day of fun for children with special needs. They were given the opportunity to enjoy a day of soccer and fun with festivities such as face painting, balloon art, photo opportunities, holiday treats and giveaways.

The girls’ soccer program and CalSouth TOPSoccer, a community based soccer program for young athletes with physical and mental disabilities, provide a fun and safe environment for the special needs athletes and offered a little taste of the Christmas season.

Sandy Castillo, Cal South TOPSoccer Chair, was enthused with the energy that team and the SMCHS volunteers bring to the Holiday Fest every year.

“You have a wonderful group of young ladies who are loving, caring and giving," Castillo said. "It is a pleasure to be able to attend every year and know that your school encourages and promotes such great ideals.”

Event co-chair Lynda Wulf, whose daughter Taylor is the varsity goalkeeper, said the event reminds us that Christmas is about giving.

“It’s such a special day for both the participants and the volunteersm" she said. "It’s a way for our program to reach out to the community and share the joy of the Christmas season. “

This is the fourth year that Santa Margarita Catholic High School has played host to this program. The event was Dec. 16.