“Our program,” explains Oscar Amuz, the founder of Hope for Autism United for Soccer Foundation (HAUSF), “not only teaches fundamental soccer skills, but also fosters self-confidence, team-building, and sportsmanship.”

HAUSF was created in 2013 and inspired by another autism organization, Angels Reach Foundation. Oscar took his love for soccer and children and combined it to create a place where autistic children could learn how to develop the skills they lacked through soccer.

“We want our players to learn soccer skills in a supportive environment, to develop a life-long love for exercise, and to have fun,” said Martin Arteaga, the president of HAUSF.

Every Thursday, organization officers and parents become coaches. They teach the kids basic communication and social skills, like how to follow directions, take turns, and to be considerate of other team members.

Along with dedicating one day out of the week for practice, the members and officers of HAUSF also coordinate events that help out the community. Their most recent was a soccer game where adults over 30 years of age went and competed in order to raise money for HAUSF.  They also participated in the Dan Marino Foundation Walk About Autism, created a book drive that collected over 5,000 books, and visited children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital this past Christmas.

“I feel honored to be apart of this and have my son be in the team,” said Yesenia Loya, mother of three-year-old Jordan Loya. “These kids and people are a blessing.”