Photos: North Shore Rovers Soccer

The Northshore Rovers Special Olympics soccer team has been meeting Sunday mornings for practices behind the Swampscott Middle School.

The playing fields are filled with athletes and coaches, children and adults.

There is a lot going on, the energy high, as the ball rolls and flies and the players move up and down the grassy field. The teams stop for celebrations and to drill on skills or try something new.

Parents and friends line the sidelines and cover the embankments enjoying the sun, the sounds and play.

One of the adults involved with the program, Kris Kennedy of Swampscott, said the program was organized by Jack and Gail Steele.

Kris told us the program's players and partners — many are Swampscott volunteers including high school and middle school students and adults — are making a difference in each others lives and the lives of their families.

"The athletes are the most vibrant and enthusiastic bunch of children with intellectual and physical challenges who just love to play soccer," Kris said.

The kids are grouped based on age and ability and the whole group is just a joy to watch as they develop and grow as soccer players, she said.