APPLETON, Wis. — Playing indoor soccer and being cheered are two things 11th grader Benjamin Bleier said he never thought he would experience. Now this once bashful student is coming alive on the court.

“Definitely feels pretty exciting,” student Benjamin Bleier said. “Definitely kicking the ball away from the goal.”

Benjamin Bleier plays defense for the Adapted Sports League in the Appleton Area School District (AASD). It’s an opportunity for some Fox Valley high school students with disabilities to play sports. 

What You Need To Know

  • The first year of Adapted Sports League kicks off in Appleton

  • The league offers high school students with disabilities a chance to participate in varsity athletics

  • Students can play indoor soccer, floor hockey and wiffle ball

Benjamin Bleier’s mother Caroline recently watched her son make a play for the ball and she could barely contain her emotions.

“I’m so proud. I see the confidence. I see that school spirit in Benjamin,” Caroline Bleier said.

Caroline Bleier said this is possible because AASD joined the Adapted Sports League.

Mollie Spencer is a coach in the AASD Adapted Sports League

She said this league gives students with autism, mental health issues, or any physical and intellectual disabilities a place to get physical.

“I knew I wanted my students involved, knew that any special ed students should be active in it. So, I was really excited to just be a part of it,” Spencer said.

In this league, students can play indoor soccer, floor hockey and wiffle ball. 

Spencer said it’s heart-warming to see other student-athletes support the league. 

“To hear them cheer on each student by name and these may be students they might not interact with on a daily basis,” Spencer said.

Spencer said this school support gives students in the league a boost on the inside as well.

“I’ve seen confidence grow in several students, especially in Benjamin. You just see this sense of accomplishment. When they hear their name chanted and when they hear people coming up to them in school saying how great they did the night before or hear their name on the morning announcements. It’s just it’s an amazing feeling,” Spencer said.

Caroline Bleier said her once reluctant student is now proud to add “athlete” to his high school resume.

“I had to push him a little bit, but now he loves this. He’s making friends just all-around school spirit,” Caroline Bleier said.

Benjamin Bleier said he found confidence and learned another important lesson.

“Definitely teamwork makes the dream work,” Benjamin Bleier said.

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