Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Medeiros.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have four boys and in 2007, my triplets boys were about 4 1/2 years old. I enrolled them in the recreational soccer in our town, However my son with autism struggled and would not participate. My other son also struggled with the social aspect of it. It was clear they could not handle games or follow the rules..
I asked the league if they had or knew of any soccer for children with special needs and they had said they had nothing like that . I told them I would like to start one, and they basically said sure if you can find some sponsors go for it.
I reached out to Minding Miracles, a local private school for children with special needs and asked them for $500 to start up my league. They were happy to help and excited to be part of the team.
I began with a program name, Just4kixs, ordered uniforms, bought some soccer balls and equipment, advertised in the local paper for players and buddies.
I received assistance with buddies from a local woman. Carol Cavana. She helped with the solicitation for buddies at our local schools and churches offering community service for their participation. Later, Linda Giasullo stepped up to help with the buddies as well.
First day at the field was new to all of us. 25 children enrolled to play and about 45 buddies showed up.
I coached the team and enlisted the help of some parents on the sidelines and it just went well. Several parents wanted to be part of the team and began to coach also. Some of my coaches have been with me since 2007.
With each season the program grew from word of mouth and we had kids from many surrounding towns join.
19 years later we are the largest soccer league in the state and country for children with special needs.
I have an incredible group of coaches, and admin helpers that make us so popular .
My oldest son Zack is 25 and is now a coach.
My son Simon, is my field crew director.
My son Maxwell, is part of my field crew. My son Nick is away at college but he helps out as a coach when he returns. Linda Giasullo, my very good friend is the buddy coordinator. She basically stalks the schools and churches looking for buddies. One of the parents on the sidelines had three boys sign up as buddies and he decided to start taking photos for the program. Danny Greene has been able to capture some amazing moments on the field over the past 19 years.
The OBSC Old Bridge Soccer Club is a huge part of our success and supports the program 100% . We are extremely grateful for our town and the support we have had over the years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the years, we have faced many difficult seasons, and we are currently entering our 38th season and 19th year of bringing buddies into the program. One of the most challenging obstacles we have faced has been finding enough buddies to support our players.
When the program first began, we had only about 25 players, so finding buddies was relatively easy. But as the program grew each season, so did the number of players, and with that came a much greater need for buddies. Recruiting enough teens to participate became increasingly difficult. We reached out to local schools and churches, offering community service hours as an incentive for teens to get involved in the program.
By 2022, when we reached 160 players, finding enough buddies to make the program work had become nearly impossible. It was incredibly stressful as opening day approached, knowing we did not have enough buddies to properly support all of our players. We were forced to reduce the program from 160 players to 140, and even then, we still struggled to find enough buddies.
This spring season, we once again have a waiting list of players who want to participate, but not enough buddies to support them on the field. Social media has played a major role in recruiting teens to be part of our program, while positive word of mouth has helped us grow not only our player base but also attract some dedicated buddies. Despite these efforts, we continue to face the difficult decision of limiting the size of our program to ensure we have enough one-to-one buddies for each child. This is never an easy choice, especially when there are so many children who want to participate.
At its core, our program is about providing children with special needs a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can learn soccer, receive the support they need to reach their goals, and most importantly have fun while doing it.
Another challenge we had was field space. Starting out with two teams of 13 back in 2007 was easy, but in 2026 we are now at 6 teams with a total of 140 kids, split up based on age, abilities, experience and skill levels. The OBSC, (Old Bridge Soccer Club) has basically given us a complex of our own to use each Saturday. We have the space for growth but need the teenagers to support it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Just4kixs soccer program is not just soccer. I always say that to people when they ask. We offer so much more than basic soccer skills. We offer a variety of developmental skills to children from ages 3 to 18. Some of the benefits are, social learning, motor skill development, speech development, one to one learning, and fun.
Our community has a network of parents to meet with and learn from their experiences. Many of my best friends I met at the field when my son was just starting out.
Our buddies are trained to work alongside these kids each season and give their all to become their players friend and role model. We create fun obstacle courses for the little ones, and fun games such as buddy bowling with large blow up soccer balls to knock over the buddy. (always gets a big laugh) Our balance beams and trampoline offer the motor skills some players need to help with movement, agility and exercise. Our large blow up soccer balls offer a fun way to further incorporate sensory input.
Our coaches and buddies provide players with a structured routine, and positive feed back, with constant praise for job well done. High fives and hugs are some of the biggest rewards they seek.
As the player develops skills they can move up to the next level of play. Each new level offers more challenging skills, Following one step commands, keeping up with the coaches direction, improving with kicking, dribbling, shooting, all while teaching respect to others. The top two levels of play we do away with the buddy and play a real game unassisted. It’s a proud moment to watch.
We are know for having fun on the field. We have a crazy sock day, and crazy hat day, which helps open up communication between player and buddy on the field. It encourages speech in a fun way. We have a superhero cape day which seems to the be the favorite even of all kids. Nothing makes someone feel more invincible then a cape on their back.
I believe this program is so popular because of the care and love we have on the field for each and every player.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be camping with my family and traveling across the country in a pick up truck towing a pop-up camper, with my 4 sibling and parents. If you can survive sitting in a cramped pick up bed with your brothers and sister for long periods of time, that would leave a memorable moment.
Pricing:
- 60.00 for one child
- 80.00 for two children
- 100.00 for three children or more
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.just4kixs.org
- Instagram: Just4kixs
- Facebook: Just4kixs
