Inspiring Conversations with Kelly Fisher of Spectrum Soccer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Fisher

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
By day, I’m an IT Insurance professional. By night, I trade spreadsheets for soccer balls as a devoted mom to two incredible boys—Gibson, 4, and Trenton, 11. Our family’s adventure took an unexpected twist in 2020 when we packed up our lives in Florida and settled in North Carolina during the heart of the pandemic. We were welcomed with open arms, but our greatest discovery—and challenge—came when we ventured into the world of youth sports with Gibson.

From the moment he could walk, Gibson was a runner, jumper, climber, and an unstoppable sensory seeker. Like many parents, we dreamed of the day we’d sign him up for sports, picturing joyful moments on the field. But when he first tried soccer at 3, reality looked a little different. The large class sizes were overwhelming, the rigid rules and complex uniforms felt unnecessary, and what should have been a fun experience quickly turned into a stressful one. I often felt the stares from other parents when Gibson would suddenly dart away from the group (eloping) or lie down mid-game, taking the sensory break his little body needed.

That’s when I knew something had to change. I founded Spectrum Soccer—a place where kids like Gibson can play, grow, and truly belong. More than just a sport, it’s a welcoming, judgment-free space where neurodivergent children are celebrated just as they are. My mission is simple: to keep sports fun, hassle-free, and accessible, ensuring that every child—no matter their abilities—gets the chance to participate.

Parenting a child with unique needs takes resilience—mentally, emotionally, and financially. But through Spectrum Soccer, we’re building more than soccer skills. We’re creating friendships, boosting confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the field. Because every child deserves the chance to shine—one kick at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first set out to create Spectrum Soccer, I knew there would be challenges, but I never imagined how quickly people would rally behind the mission. With each season, we’ve doubled in size—proof that families were craving a space like this all along.

One of the biggest hurdles was simply spreading awareness—helping people see why a program like this was so necessary. Traditional youth sports tend to follow a one-size-fits-all model, and breaking that mold required both advocacy and education. My approach allows kids to learn the basics through fun, engaging games so that when they’re ready for the structure of a league, the transition feels natural and exciting.

Finding the perfect balance between structure and flexibility was another challenge. Many neurodivergent children, like my son Gibson, thrive with routine but also need the freedom to take breaks and engage in their own way. I spent hours testing different activities at home with my boys, hoping that if something clicked with them, it would resonate with our Spectrum Soccer players too.

Keeping the program affordable and accessible has always been a top priority. I never wanted cost to stand in the way of a child playing, so I’m constantly finding creative ways to keep operational expenses low while ensuring the experience remains fun and rewarding.

Of course, there have been emotional challenges, too. Balancing the demands of motherhood and advocacy is no small feat. I work full-time, I’m the primary parent, and my oldest plays competitive soccer three nights a week—with games that sometimes take us two hours away, right after our Spectrum Soccer sessions. It’s exhausting, but the moment I see a child smiling on the field or hear a parent say, “This is exactly what we needed,” every ounce of effort feels worth it.

So while the road hasn’t always been smooth, the incredible support from our community and the rapid growth of Spectrum Soccer have made every challenge a stepping stone toward something greater. We’re not just running a soccer program—we’re building a home for kids to play, grow, and truly belong.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Spectrum Soccer is more than just a youth soccer program—it’s a safe, inclusive space where neurodivergent children can learn, play, and thrive on their own terms. We specialize in making soccer accessible, stress-free, and fun for children who may face challenges in traditional sports programs due to sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or the need for flexibility. Plus, we play on an outdoor, enclosed field, offering a controlled environment where kids can focus and feel secure while enjoying the game.

What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
At Spectrum Soccer, we introduce the fundamentals of soccer through play-based learning, emphasizing fun over rigid drills and competition. Our sessions are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing kids to take breaks when needed, move at their own pace, and build confidence in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

What truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of neurodivergent children’s needs. As a mother of an autistic child, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating traditional sports programs. I’ve designed Spectrum Soccer with those challenges in mind—smaller class sizes, simplified instructions, and a focus on social connection over competition. Our goal isn’t just to teach soccer; it’s to foster joy, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for every child who steps onto the field.

Additionally, we understand that families with multiple children often face scheduling challenges. That’s why we allow siblings to register, tailoring skills to each individual player. This way, families can enjoy a shared experience without worrying about conflicting schedules. We accept children from walking age through 13 years old and may accept older children if the program can benefit them.

What We’re Most Proud Of
The community impact is what I’m most proud of. We’ve grown faster than I ever imagined, doubling in size each season, which is a testament to how much this program was needed. Seeing kids who previously faced difficulties in sports now smiling, engaging, and building friendships is the most rewarding part of this journey. The heartfelt feedback from parents who say, “This is exactly what we needed,” fuels my passion to keep expanding and improving.

What We Want Readers to Know
If you’re a parent looking for a welcoming, low-pressure sports experience for your child, Spectrum Soccer is here for you. Our approach ensures that every child—regardless of ability—has a place to play, grow, and belong. We embrace children with a variety of neurodivergent profiles, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down Syndrome, Anxiety, and more

At Spectrum Soccer, we’re not just teaching kids how to kick a ball—we’re building confidence, friendships, and an inclusive community that extends far beyond the soccer field.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support us:

1. Become a Sponsor
If you’re a local business or organization, sponsoring Spectrum Soccer can make a huge impact. Sponsorships help us keep the program affordable and eventually work toward making it free for all families. Your support could be financial, donating equipment, or offering in-kind services.

2. Volunteer
We’re always looking for compassionate individuals to help with our sessions, whether it’s assisting with classes, helping children during breaks, or supporting the team behind the scenes. Volunteers are a vital part of what makes Spectrum Soccer a success, and your time will help create a safe, welcoming space for kids.

3. Partner with Us
We’re open to partnerships with schools, non-profits, or companies with similar values, aiming to create inclusive opportunities for neurodivergent children in sports.

4. Donate
Financial donations directly support scholarships for families in need, program costs, and the continued development of the Spectrum Soccer community. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference in creating a more inclusive environment.

5. Spread the Word
If you believe in our mission, help us by spreading the word! Whether you share our message with other parents, on social media, or within your local network, awareness is key to growing and expanding Spectrum Soccer.

6. Join the Program
If you’re a parent or guardian of a neurodivergent child, we’d love for you to join the program! Our goal is to offer a supportive, fun, and flexible environment where every child feels included and celebrated.

7. Offer Expertise or Resources
If you have expertise in areas like special education, occupational therapy, child development, or any other relevant field, we welcome insights or resources to make Spectrum Soccer even better. This could include offering workshops, guidance on sensory-friendly activities, or recommendations on how we can support children in a more effective way.

8. Host an Event, Fundraiser, or Resource Fair
If you’re passionate about our cause, consider hosting a fundraising event, whether it’s a charity run, a local raffle, or a community gathering. Every event helps raise awareness and funding, allowing us to continue providing an inclusive environment for children in our program.

Please reach out to spectrumsoccerllc@gmail.com directly to get involved! You can also make contact via our website spectrum-soccer.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spectrum-soccer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_soccer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560500751622