Source: NorthFulton.com
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Kicking for Autism to host February soccer clinic

by Jonathan Copsey

January 09, 2013

The people of Kicking for Autism are, from left, Marc Bernstein, Josh Bircoll, Kathy Forman, Perry Goldstein, David Martin, Carly Morse, Madeline Morse, Noah Newman, Jeremy Schwartz, Chloe Smith, Adam Turry, Courtney Weinhoff, Zachery Chase and Chloe Smith.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Kicking for Autism held its first clinic in April and its most recent clinic in October, both at the Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dunwoody. The clinics are run by teen volunteers from the Junior Board and various high schools, as well as by speech pathologists to help facilitate.

Kicking for Autism is an organization in partnership with Autism Speaks founded by a group of Atlanta teens representing various high schools in the metro area. The Junior Board is composed of 11 teens hoping to make a difference in the lives of children with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

The mission of Kicking for Autism is to provide socially welcoming soccer clinics for middle school-aged children (7–14 years old) with high-functioning autism and Asperger's using interaction on a personal level.

The idea for this organization stems from founding member Noah Newman's experience of growing up with a brother who has high functioning autism as well as his love for soccer. He believes that soccer can provide the structure for kids to engage socially and athletically in a meaningful way.

The Junior Board plans to hold its next soccer clinic on Feb. 23, with Mellow Mushroom donating pizza and Kroger donating the water and fruit for the event. Other sponsors include Foot Solutions.

To find out more details about upcoming events, email Newman at noahnewman.a@gmail.com.