LetsGiveThemaShot.org

Children with Special Needs

Coach Derek Locklear works with Children with Special Needs

Coach Derek has worked extensively with teens and young children with special needs.
He has an acceptance and understanding of these young people and feels privileged to make a difference in their lives.

Coach Derek has volunteered his time once a month
at The Friendship Circle of the South Bay since 2006.

The Friendship Circle of the South Bay aims to provide children and teenagers with special needs and their families with many of the social and recreational opportunities that are currently available to the general community. Each month, Coach Derek looks forward to participating in Sports Night
as The Friendship Circle pairs up kids with special needs with high school buddies for a night of fun & inspirational moments.

See more photos of Coach Derek at The Friendship Circle of the South Bay: See More

Andrew

Andrew Garcia is boy with special needs who always dreamed of playing football.

Andrew had envisioned himself playing football ... we, his protective parents, had decided otherwise for his own safety ...yet his personal coach (Derek Lockear) saw an opportunity for him and other kids ... and you all allowed it to happen.

Andrew will be forever changed by the experience he had on your team. He learned many things, one of which was that he can overcome and achieve with focus and dedication. He learned how hard it can be to be a real team player, while enjoying every minute of it. He also learned that you can lead others with your heart and a positive attitude, and it is just as valuable as leading with skill and physical strength."

Gratefully yours,
The Garcia Family

Testimonials for Coach Derek: Read More

Coach Derek

Helping children with Special Needs is an intensely personal experience for Coach Derek:

"I grew up with a brother who had some special needs. He was my best friend and due to his difficulties I spent most of my childhood fighting for him both literally and figuratively. I wanted to protect him from the cruelty of innocence imposed by children. I wanted to shield him from defeat in sports which will always come to everyone at some point. But most of all I wanted to help him be better at the sports he chose to play. I excelled in sports yet I always found myself trying to deflect the light I received onto my brother who was, and still is, my best friend. The truth is it brings me tremendous JOY to take a child only a few steps within the realm of sports knowing that it is a 25 mile leap in their lives."
- Coach Derek Locklear

Children with Special Needs: Coach Derek at the Friendship Circle of the South Bay