The Lancers’ Lasting Impact: Ian and the Guys

The world of sport is a connector. It brings people together, creates common ground and provides a platform for opportunities and impact that extend far beyond the competition itself. Ian attended a Grace men’s soccer camp hoping to learn more about the sport, but his experience with the Lancers gave him much more than that. He left with newfound confidence and an experience that would impact him far beyond the soccer field. In turn, Ian left his mark on the team, too.

Ian has faced a lot of adversity in his short six years of life. He was born with a cleft lip and palate and has endured several surgeries. He was diagnosed with autism at age two, and at the time, he didn’t walk or talk. He started walking around age two-and-a-half and started talking when he was nearly four-and-a-half. 

“There was a point where I wondered if my boy would ever learn to walk, talk, play like other kids or if he would be left out and bullied for being different,” said Ian’s mom, Ashley. “The road has been far from easy, but God has been forever faithful at every turn.”

Despite Ian’s early challenges, nothing hindered his spirit.

A few months before the camp, Ian went home from school and repeatedly told his mom that he wanted to play soccer. Ashley searched for programs that offered beginner-friendly camps, and found one hosted by Grace, the institution she had attended in the early 2000s. The place her parents had met years before that.

“When we saw the roster for camp we noticed that Ian was one of the younger campers and that his mom had shared a few potential concerns with it being his first camp, his age, and some difficulties he had faced in his life,” said Grace Head Men’s Soccer Coach Arron Patrick. “We tried to reassure her that we would take care of him, and thankfully, he chose to attend.”

Ashley dropped her son off on the first day of camp with some concern about whether he would feel included, but when she returned to pick him up later that day, she was greeted by the sight of Ian running hand in hand with one of the players, his face beaming as he chased the soccer ball around 1st Source Bank Field.

The kids were split into age groups and Ian was placed with two of the Portuguese players, Ben Kenn and Diogo Gomes. At one point, Ian grabbed Diogo’s hand and ran over to join the rest of the group. “That image is probably one that sticks in my brain the most!” noted Patrick.

Ashley witnessed Diogo teach her son to kick and dribble the ball, all while guiding him towards the goal. The entire team kept Ian in their sights, helping him learn and including him in the activities

After the camp concluded, several members of the team approached Ian and invited him to come support the Lancers men’s soccer team at a few home matches that fall.

“Ian talked all summer long about going to the one of their soccer games and seeing ‘Diogo and the Guys,'” said Ashley.

Coach Patrick immediately recognized the connection between his team and Ian and wanted to continue building that relationship. The team ordered him a replica jersey, printed his name and number, and set up his locker as they waited for his return.

“After camp was over Ashley emailed to say thank you, and honestly, she had us in tears,” said Coach Patrick. “I knew from that moment we couldn’t just allow this special relationship to just end with summer camp. As we communicated further, I decided I wanted to bring Ian back, and make him a part of our game day!”

Ian found his way back to campus in September, and he and his dad were greeted with clapping and cheering when they emerged into the locker room, smiles plastered to their faces the entire time.

The team brought Ian out for the starting lineup, and he was able to stand alongside them in his brand new uniform. As the rain began to fall during the pregame lineup, one of the Lancers grabbed his jacket and held it over Ian’s head. It was a small gesture, but to Ashley, it said a lot about how the team cared for her son. The players treated Ian like a little brother.

Although the game ended in a scoreless tie, Ashley mentioned that she could see how hard the team had fought throughout the game, and felt Ian’s presence gave the players an extra boost of energy. The experience left the family wanting to return for more home games whenever they could.

“Watching them interact with him was so special, just knowing that these young men are genuine and caring,” Ashley noted. “This team is an excellent example of good character and I hope my son will be like them someday.”

The team views soccer as a way to reach people outside of the competition, using the sport to build relationships and reflect their value of faith.

Coach Patrick hopes people notice something different about the way his players play, act, speak and treat those around them. What began as an effort to make a young camper feel welcome became a relationship that left an impression on the players themselves.

For the players, their time with Ian offered a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments in a season happen away from the field and have little to do with the final score.

“We all want to win on the field, but those fade away and become distant memories,” said Coach Patrick. “Ian is an amazing reminder of perseverance and joy. He has been through a lot in his young life, and you would never know it if you meet him. Building relationships like this can change many lives, and we are all very grateful that God placed Ian in our lives.”