ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida teen has combined her passion for lifting others with her love of soccer.

Last summer, 17-year-old Kieley Whittaker formed the Orlando chapter of TOPSoccer, or The Outreach Program for Soccer. Her group teaches the sport to special-needs children, many diagnosed with autism and face difficulties with communicating.

“I would rather spend my time starting something like this and putting effort into this and it’s going to help people other than myself and bring people together,” Kieley said.

Volunteers, or buddies, pair up with a child to teach them soccer one on one.

“They’re all great. They all get out here and do their best,” Kieley said.

So far, her biggest challenge has been to kick off the program in the middle of a global pandemic. 

“I was nervous that they weren’t going to feel safe coming, or my volunteers might not feel safe,” Kieley said.

But she took the proper precautions when she built the program — and the children came. More than 30 players now line the field, enjoying The Beautiful Game.

“The kids have a great time,” she said. “They love to just play soccer, get outside and kick the ball around. There’s nothing greater than spending time with them and seeing how happy they are.”

Kieley said more buddies are needed to help play with and instruct the children in the program. If you'd like to volunteer, register at her group's website.