Who We Are
COED TEAM SPORTS FOR ATHLETES AGED 6-35 WITH UNIQUE SUPPORT NEEDS
A COMMUNITY OF CARING FOR THEM, THEIR PARENTS, & THE WHOLE FAMILY
Spirit League is a year-round, non-profit, coed team sports league in Orange County for autistic, neurodivergent, and developmentally disabled athletes between the ages of 6 to 35.
Our experienced staff, trained coaches and volunteers together provide a structured, safe environment where connection, self-confidence, and community are nurtured both on and off the playfields.
Athletes in our Youth and Adult programs enjoy supportive coaching, skilled instruction, and regular team play that creates camaraderie and enhances social skills.
They also thrive from the enthusiastic support of an entire community of compassionate professionals and parents who are dedicated to providing Orange County residents with the specialized support they need to fully experience the field of play, and all of the positives that come with it.
* For the safety of all participants and their families, Spirit League athletes are required to be ambulatory
Our Programs
BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM, MAKING FRIENDS
Our athletes are typically unable to fully participate in their local neighborhood youth sports program due to one or more of the following challenges:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders;
- Learning Disabilities;
- Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy; and/or
- Other mild physical & emotional disabilities.
Our co-ed programs offer participants an opportunity to build self-esteem, create friendships, experience teamwork, and have lots of fun. Sports activities for individuals with autism and children with other developmental disabilities can have a profound impact on their overall development and well-being. Athletes are ambulatory.
Parent participation is encouraged, so plan for an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Long-lasting friendships will be formed, and everyone will have fun and grow together.
Youth Program: For athletes ages 6 – 22, our youth program includes three sports per year: basketball, baseball, and soccer. Online registration for each season generally occurs two months before games start. See the Sports tab on our website for more information on each sport. Typical seasons are ten weeks long, and athletes enjoy personalized jerseys, picture day, and a season-end celebration with trophies/medals. Field/court equipment is provided.
Games are organized according to the athlete’s age, as described below. The three age divisions typically play on Saturdays but at different times throughout the day.
- Division 3: Ages 6 to 9 years with 60-minute sessions
- Division 2: Ages 9 to 13 years with 90-minute sessions
- Division 1: Ages 13 to 22 years with 90-minute sessions
Adult Program: For athletes ages 18-32 years, our Adult Program includes four sports per year: bowling, basketball, flag football, and soccer. While the fundamentals of the sports are taught, our Adult Program focuses on practicing social skills typical of a young adult playing a “pick-up” style game. Athletes have fun playing with their peers and make new friendships that develop beyond the ballfields.
THE SPIRIT LEAGUE TEAM
