ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For those who have children with special needs, finding programs for their kids is not always easy, especially when parents want to bring their other children as well. 

A local soccer program, Ball for All, looks to allow families to bring everyone together no matter their needs. 

For Jennifer Beasley and her two children, it's exactly what they need. 

"Ball for All is really special because it covers not just neurotypical kids but kids of all different needs and backgrounds," she said. 

Beasley said her son Davis has autism, adding there aren’t many programs she knows of that both Davis and her daughter Caroline can participate in.

Once at practice, they sign in and are paired with a buddy. 

The buddies are a mix of occupational therapists, speech therapists, aspiring therapists, and more all volunteering their time. 

With every child getting one-on-one attention, it gives Jennifer and the other parents a chance to relax. 

"This is the first time I've really found a group that's easy to integrate with, easy to talk about what's going on with their children and what they need and what we found that works," Beasley said.  

Ball for All was started by occupational therapist Shannon Domfort. 

While there are other sports programs like this, Domfort said she didn't see one in Pinellas County. 

Whether they are an experienced player or it's their first time kicking a ball, Domfort said it's important that everyone's needs are met. 

"There's a spot on the team for everyone," she said. "I think that's something special about this program. It truly is Ball for All. No matter if you are neurodivergent, neurotypical, we can all play together and support each other."

The season runs every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. through April 30 at the Lakewood Sports Complex, and is for children aged 4-12. Registration for the current season closed on Feb. 28, but for more information on the program and to learn about future leagues, visit the Ball for All website.