Amherst Challengers soccer program helps players reach success
Amherst Challenger player Paisley Johnson looks up to head coach MacKenzie Pigg as she talks with the athletes.
Each Amherst Challenger player had a buddy to help them though the skills competition. At left Amherst Lancer soccer player Ian Dawson hangs on to Bugarachi Egbujuo’s hands.
Quashanta Carson competes in the ball control course.
Volunteers line up as Amherst Challengers player Santonio Fuentes runs through after getting their gold while being greeted multiple high fives. The Amherst Challengers program is a specifically designed soccer program that helps athletes with a physical and/or intellectual disability to learn and participate in soccer. The program welcomes athletes ages 3 to 21. Athletes practice at Coolwell Recreation Park in Amherst in groups based on age and ability level. The eight-week program was held early September to late October.
Amherst Challenger soccer team player Santonio Fuentes had a chance to work on his ball control skills prior to the start of the Commonwealth Games on Oct. 29.
Paisley Johnson boots in a goal during the Oct. 29 Commonwealth Games for the Amherst Challengers athletics with disabilities skills competition held at the Coolwell Recreation Park in Amherst. The competition capped off a recent eight-week program. The team’s head coach is former Amherst County High School standout soccer player MacKenzie Pigg.
The Amherst Challengers athletes with disabilities head coach MacKenzie Pigg, right, is joined by her brother Ryan, also a top soccer player for the Lancers and now their head coach. The pair is assisted by Cooper.
Amherst County High School soccer player Jaydin Rohde is scored upon by Amherst Challengers player Daniel Taliaferro during the Commonwealth Games skills competition on Oct. 29.
With a little aid from an adaptive front wheelchair attachment, Amherst Challengers player Daniel Taliaferro can drive the ball to the goal and score.
Amherst Challengers’ Paisley Johnson celebrates one of her goals at he Commonwealth Games.
Santonio Fuentes competes in the passing part of the Commonwealth Games.
Anthony “AJ” Johnson gets a running start during the Oct. 29 skills competition.
After booting a good pass Amherst Challenger player Kiyan Roy reacts to his attempt in the skills competition.
Lancer soccer player Ian Dawson chats with Amherst Challengers player Bugarachi Egbujuo in between events.
The Commonwealth Games skills competition offered all athletes gold medals for their efforts in the skills competition.
