The Best of Buddies

Jordan Ogman found a new way to get his kicks while he awaits completion of the Patch Reef Park playground he inspired.

Every Saturday for the past several weeks Ogman found himself on a soccer field running, laughing and smiling as part of the Soccer Association of Boca Raton's TOPSoccer program.

“We never thought that Jordan could actually play soccer in an organized league; then we heard about TOPSoccer, which is a soccer league for special needs kids,” said David Ogman, Jordan's father. “As soon as we heard about it we ran out here. It's been tremendous so far.”

In TOPSoccer, special needs children – Jordan was born with a rare genetic disorder that stunts physical and mental growth – are paired with volunteers who guide them through soccer drills and teach them the game.

“This is tremendous for Jordan,” David said. “He likes being out around other kids, around people who like to play sports with him. It gives him something he can do that's accessible.”

Accessibility can be an issue for children like Jordan.

In 2023, the Ogman family petitioned District Commissioners to create a new all-inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play. Late in 2024 construction crews began work on the playground that will replace Pirates Cove at Patch Reef. The playground is expected to open this summer.

Now 9 years old, Jordan takes the field with other players his age and their buddies at City of Boca Raton's Woodlands Park on Saturdays.

Jordan's buddy, 17-year-old Eric Ehrnst, also has special ties to the District. He's Commissioner Craig Ehrnst's son.

Commissioner Suzi Vogelgesang, an administrator within TOPSoccer, arranged for the pairing.

“Eric worked with this age group last year and did such a good job that I thought he'd be the perfect match for Jordan,” Vogelgesang said.

Late in Jordan's fourth practice, David Ogman's face showed surprise when learning of Eric's relationship to Craig Ehrnst.

“Eric's been a tremendous volunteer for Jordan,” David Ogman said. “He holds Jordan's hand and is very patient with Jordan.”

On a Saturday in early February Eric guided Jordan through agility drills and other soccer-related activities. Jordan constantly stopped for a celebration break following the completion of many drills.

Jordan's struggles to maintain focus can have him darting in different directions before drills are complete.

“I think Jordan is a really, really bright kid,” Eric said. “I see a lot of potential in him.”

Eric stood aside Jordan for a few minutes teaching goalkeeping, but rather than prevent goals, Jordan prefers scoring them.

After kicking the ball into the net, Jordan ran across the field letting parents, some coaches and Eric know he was “Winning!”

“It makes me happy when they get to kick it into the goal,” Eric said. “It's such an accomplishment. There's extra joy on their faces.”

While many older TOPSoccer groups finish their outings by playing scrimmage games within their group, Jordan's is still a little young for that.

After practicing overhead throw-ins and kicking a couple more balls across the goal line, Jordan sat with his group. He, like all the players, end the afternoon by being presented a blue medal and an Oreo.

“I like winning!” Jordan exclaimed, his gums still charcoal colored from the Oreo. “I like Eric! And I ate a cookie!”