NATCHEZ — Smiles filled the faces of more than 20 people with special needs Friday morning on the Adams County Christian School soccer field.

Along with British Challenger camp professionals Matt Slack and Denim Robertson, the group had the opportunity to participate in multiple soccer activities and play a game that Slack and Robertson said is for everyone.

“It is fantastic because everyone is able to do this and like we saw, it is an unbelievable experience,” Slack said. “Seeing smiles on their faces is amazing. For me personally, and hopefully for them, it makes a great day. It was perfect.”

Robertson said it was also an uplifting experience to see the impact soccer could have on people.

“In a way it makes you proud to see that the sport is growing and seeing people enjoy something that you are passionate about,” Robertson said. “And then to see people constantly improving, as a coach, that is something you really want to see.”

Slack said Friday’s camp gave participants an opportunity they may not have otherwise had.

“They don’t get to see soccer much,” Slack said. “That wouldn’t be one of the sports that would be chosen for them to do. It is something new. Obviously, football and baseball are huge in the south, but this is something new, and seeing how good they did is tremendous. All the credit goes to them.”

Robertson was also happy to be able to provide people with special needs a chance to learn and play the game.

“It is an honor to help the community and to see them happy when they play,” he said.

ACCS head soccer coach Jimmy Allgood said he plans on having more days involving people with special needs in next year’s camp.

“(Friday) was unbelievable,” he said. “To see this kind of turnout, I’ll go ahead and say we will have multiple days next year for the VIP camp. I don’t care if we have to get sponsors, we are going to have more than just one day with them and have some more fun days just like this VIP day. It is very touching.”