The Cinnaminson Play Unified soccer team finished their season with two wins, one tie, and one loss. Their winning season started with a strong win against Moorestown. Though they did in fact win, the team was more excited about their ability to come together and play a sport with their peers; winning was a bonus.
Ms. Colleen Finor, a special education teacher and head coach of Play Unified, emphasizes the importance of team commitment and communication.
“I think the whole point about the unified sports is that the participants should just learn the importance of life, which is teamwork, communication, getting along with everybody, leadership, but also it’s diverse and it also allows everyone to appreciate the unique qualities that everybody has to offer,” Finor said.
Not only is this an amazing opportunity for members to be a part of a team, but also for the student volunteers, who dedicate their time to ensure that the players have the best game experience.
“They are the people who are going to be the future and I am here for it,” Finor said. “They are so kind, so patient. They come with smiles, they are ready to help. They’re amazing. I could not have this team without them.”
Sophomore Maddie Pelligrino, a student volunteer, shares her thoughts on Play Unified and how it feels to play with this team.
“It makes me feel good knowing that they appreciate it and they have a lot of fun doing it,” Pelligrino said. “And they like, enjoy the fact that I enjoy it too. Because I love to see their faces when they’re so happy and enjoying it.”
This season’s co-captains were senior Alexander Stewart and junior Isaiah Williams. Stewart and Williams led the team in goals while freshman Ciarian Gallagher held up the fort in the net. The team as a whole is not only gaining skills, but also confidence as they look ahead to next season.
Finor is enthusiastic that every member on the team gets along with each other, and she is grateful for the success of the program.
“Everyone blends together and it’s like ‘Oh you come from this family, you come from that family, oh you have this disability, you have this anxiety,’ and everyone just meshes together,” Finor said. “It’s really just a wonderful program.”
