Greetings from the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development!
We are thrilled to announce that the Duke Center for Autism is partnering with the Duke Blue Devils Men's and Women's Soccer teams for a sports clinic this spring. Neurodivergent children and adolescents ages 6 to 18 years are invited to participate. The event is free and previous experience with soccer is not required.
To participate, email Charlotte Stoute at charlotte.stoute@duke.edu. Due to limited space, participants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. More information on the event is included below.
The Duke soccer teams have invited us to meet them at the 751 practice field on Duke University’s West Campus on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 for a 2-hour clinic —an exciting opportunity to meet and practice soccer with the Duke Blue Devils players! The clinic will offer healthy refreshments and water for participants and caregivers. Each participant will be able to collect autographs from players, and will have the opportunity to take photos as a group and with team members.
Facility Information:
The clinic will take place at the 751 practice field on Duke University’s West Campus, in Durham, North Carolina. We will send parking information and directions separately.
Clinic Details:
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Clinic time: 10:00 am – 12:00 PM (IMPORTANT NOTE: Families should plan on arriving early for parking and sign-in. We suggest arriving by 9:00 AM.)
The clinic is free and will host up to 50 neurodivergent youths and their families. The event will include basic soccer skills instruction and practice, snacks, beverages, time to interact with and receive autographs from Duke soccer players.
Parking will be provided at no cost. Participants must coordinate their own transportation to and from the event. Transportation costs are not covered for this event.
Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and tennis or other types of athletic shoes.
Registration required: All participants must register in advance. Please use charlotte.stoute@duke.edu for all registration-related inquiries and steps. No registration is permitted on event day. Registration will be coordinated by the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. Participants under the age of 18, or who are age 18 and have a legal guardian, must be attended by a parent or legal guardian. A signed registration form, participation form, and media permission form is required for all participants.
Photos & Media: Those attending this event (including families, Duke Athletics, and Duke Autism Center staff) will be taking pictures and video, and local media outlets may also attend. For this reason, we will ask families to sign a permission form indicating it’s OK to include their child in photos or video of the event. Photos and video will appear on Duke-affiliated websites and social media, as well as on the websites of any media outlets that may cover the event. Because this event is publicly characterized as one for “neurodivergent children and adolescents” attendees may be perceived as having an autism diagnosis (or other diagnoses such as ADHD) and/or being on the autism spectrum and/or as being associated with the autism and neurodiversity community. Due to the large size of this event (and photos being taken by families in attendance as well as several internal/external media), we are unable to accommodate individuals who do not wish to be in any pictures/video.
To reserve a spot and register for this event, please email charlotte.stoute@duke.edu.
The original deadline for RSVP was February 20, 2026. (Note: there are limited spots, which are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.) Additional sign-up information will be sent after you express interest. Additional details will be sent to each participant in advance of the event. If it is past the deadline, families may contact us to get on the wait-list. We look forward to this special event and hope you will join us. If you have any questions please contact Charlotte Stoute at charlotte.stoute@duke.edu.
Thank you for being part of the Duke Center for Autism family!
Best regards,
Your Friends at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development