From the outside, it doesn’t look like your typical soccer practice, and in many ways it isn’t.

But for a group of Bedford children, just being able to take the field is a monumental step, giving them a boost of confidence and a burst of energy.

This year marked the first time Bedford has organized the Adaptive Soccer Program, allowing children with physical and developmental disabilities to suit up and play.

The idea for the league came after volunteers saw the tremendous success of the town’s Challenger Little League program, which came back to town this year after a more than 15-year hiatus.

“The whole idea is getting the players to kick the ball. If they have a lot of touches, that’s great,” said Peter MacDonald, one of the volunteers helping run the group. “If they’re not using their hands, that’s great. If they’re playing with children they normally wouldn’t, that’s great. If you came to a practice or game, you’d scratch your head because it doesn’t look completely like soccer.”

Laura Pace was one of the Challenger League’s coordinators for the Challenger league, and said she and other interested parents were hesitant at first to try to bring that success to the soccer field.

“Baseball is different because it’s a much slower game. Soccer is constantly moving, so we were initially a little apprehensive,” said Pace. “The kids are having a great time right now. They’re doing great and just having the best time.”

Dawne Altemus’ daughter Amanda, 7, enjoys playing in the league. Amanda takes part in the higher-level soccer at practices as her proud parents watch. “We beam on the sidelines,” said Dawne. “My husband and I sit with these big grins, and while she’s playing she loves to stop and wave. We’re really proud that Bedford has this league and she can now participate actively.”

During the week in between practices, Amanda often talks about her excitement to see her buddy – middle and high school students who help teach the players soccer skills.

“Just getting out there and staying physical, she’s active and does a lot of things,” said Dawne. “I love the opportunity for her to try out different sports, and she should be able to have those opportunities.”

Both Pace and MacDonald also have children involved in the program, which helps them focus on the best way for each of the nearly 20 athletes to benefit. “For many of them it’s the only opportunity to participate in a team sport. I think socially it’s a huge self-esteem booster to be an equal member of the team,” Pace said. “They’re making friends. We don’t keep score, and the kids will encourage each other even if they’re on separate teams.”

The twice-a-week practices are structured flexibly, as some of the higher-level soccer players take part in game-like conditions, while some of the other players spend time doing activities like knocking bowling pins over with a soccer ball.

“We realized that there are definitely kids who can play soccer, and some who want to run loose on the field,” MacDonald said. “The adaptive piece is important. It’s about getting them in the uniform and letting them do what they can do.” Pace said it’s rewarding not only for the children, but for the parents and volunteers as well. “Their challenges are not getting in the way of them having the best time,” she said. “Seeing the kids out there being the best they can be, there’s not greater joy.”

Sometimes the children play the entire time, but other times they play for a short time and take a break, something Pace and MacDonald say is fine as any time actively taking part in the sport is time well spent.

“They’re in their uniforms, they’re doing it and they’re proud. The kids who aren’t taking part in the game are still having the best time, rolling around and just laughing,” Pace said. “They could be sitting in front of the television, but instead they’re making new friends and they’re out there getting excercise and having the time of their lives.”

MacDonald said seeing the number of volunteers coming out to help is one of the more gratifying aspects of the program. And seeing his 5-year-old daughter on the field with other children is rewarding for Mac- Donald.

“To look at her and see that she’s doing something she wasn’t able to do before is great. It’s good to see her run. it’s good to see her kick the ball,” Mac- Donald said.

Pace said the most important theme of the soccer league is not to let the challenges the children face stop them from being kids.

“We don’t want to make the league work for their disabilities, but their abilities. They’re doing it,” said Pace. “They’re surprising all of us. When you give a kid the chance to be a kid, they can surpass any limitations that we may put on them.”