Times are changing and so are the sports in the Owatonna community. This year Owatonna will be expecting a new traveling soccer team for the kids in town with special needs. Twenty years ago, Dave Furness along with others started what is now the Owatonna Soccer Association (OSA). “We have a well-established soccer program here in Owatonna, and we are expecting to continue that for many years to come,” said Furness. Since the start of the OSA, Furness has been coaching youth soccer teams and has been a part of the OSA board. There are a number of soccer programs around the state, mostly in the Twin Cities area where many of the games this year will take place.
In Owatonna’s history, kids with special needs have not gotten the opportunity to play in competitive sports other than Adaptive Floor Hockey. “We thought it would be a good time the Owatonna Soccer Association added a top soccer program for these kids in our community,” said Furness. The board was very supportive when Furness proposed the program. “When I got their approval, I contacted Wendy Reller who was willing to help me out through Park and Rec. We started getting word out and meeting with some parents.” The team consists of 15 kids, ages eight and older are eligible to play. Their first practice is May 3. “Soccer is not only a great sport for physical fitness, but it teaches the kids skills, such as how to play as a team and how to have fun. My emphasis is not on the winning part, but wanting them to learn and have fun,” said Furness. Throughout the season there will be about six games. Games will be on Sundays and there is a chance for a World Cup tournament. For more information contact Dave Furness at [email protected] or call him at (507) 456-6889.