Jacob’s Soccer Camp, which carries the tagline, “Kids Helping Kids,” is a free, week-long day camp for children with special needs. The camp is organized and run by high school-aged volunteers.

Jacob Cohen, who played with Ukrainian Nationals and currently suits up for FC Montco, established the two hour-a-day program in 2013 in hopes of helping campers, regardless of skill level, improve their soccer abilities. Held at Ukrainian Nationals Club, Jacob’s Soccer Camp provides an energized atmosphere where kids with physical and developmental disabilities can socialize, exercise and simply have fun.

While volunteer buddies work with the campers, parents relax on the sidelines and watch their children play.

The spirit is catching on. For the first time, Jacob’s Soccer Camp has expanded to a second location. This year, Jacob guided Hale  Lieberman,16, through the process of coordinating a camp in Hale’s  hometown of Bethesda, Maryland.

Jacob encourages kids, ages 15-18, to be a Camp Director and to start a Jacob’s Soccer Camp in their own communities. You can contact him and find out more information at jacobssoccercamp.org.

TOPSoccer special needs programs are located throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Please reach out to Meridith Crowell in the state office to receive more information about a program near you.