KAHPERD Convention 2026

Soccer is a universal language that connects students across cultures, communities, and countries—and physical education is the perfect place to bring that connection to life. In this three-hour, hands-on training, K–12 physical educators will explore the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success in School curriculum and World’s Game suite of resources. Participants will engage in practical, ready-to-use activities that build fundamental movement skills, soccer skills, teamwork, communication, and personal connection. The session will also highlight ways to extend the excitement of soccer beyond PE through World’s Game PE lessons, classroom lessons, a recess guide, and a field day guide that support school-wide engagement. Teachers will receive access to the K–12 standards-aligned Soccer for Success in School curriculum and the full World’s Game suite of resources. Each participating teacher will also receive 20 soccer balls for their PE program. Pre-service teachers will receive access to all curriculum and resources, but soccer balls are reserved for current teachers serving school-based PE programs. No prior soccer experience is required—just a willingness to create inviting soccer experiences for all students.

For many neurodivergent students, physical education can feel like sensory and social overload rather than an opportunity to move, connect, and succeed. Loud echoes, bright lights, constant movement, unexpected touch, changing expectations, and peer interactions can create barriers that are often mistaken for disengagement or challenging behavior. In this session, we’ll look beyond what we see on the surface to better understand what students may be experiencing. Together, we’ll rethink traditional PE practices and explore practical strategies that reduce barriers, support regulation, and create environments where neurodivergent students can participate with greater confidence, choice, and success.