On September 22, 2026, Bay Port High School hosted its first Adapted Sports League (ASL) soccer match, welcoming student-athletes from Appleton East for an evening that celebrated both competition and inclusion. Family and friends filled the gym alongside students, the Bay Port Band, cheerleaders, and announcers.
The game marked an important milestone for Howard-Suamico School District (HSSD), which became the first school district in the Green Bay area to establish an ASL team. Through its participation in the Fox Valley league, HSSD is creating opportunities for students with physical, visual, or intellectual disabilities to compete in organized high school sports using adapted rules, equipment, and playing fields.
The Dahlin Family Helps Make It Happen
Brian and Amy Dahlin played an important role in bringing the program to life through their financial support. Their oldest son has special needs, and they experienced firsthand the impact of adapted athletics when Miracle League baseball came to Green Bay in 2005.
That experience showed them what it means for a child to have the opportunity to participate, build relationships, and feel like part of a team. They wanted other students to have that same opportunity within their own schools.
As Brian and Amy explained, “adapted” means “modified for a purpose.” For this program, that means creating an environment where students who want to play can participate. When the district faced the initial costs of getting the program started, the Dahlin family stepped forward to help make it possible.
“We are so grateful to Brian and Amy for believing in this opportunity and helping us get the program off the ground,” said Nicole Smith, Executive Director of the Howard-Suamico Education Foundation (HSEF). “Their support allowed us to put the pieces in place to give our students and school community this experience, and seeing it all come together at the first home game was pretty incredible.”
An Experience That Means More Than Soccer
For the families whose children are part of the team, the impact goes well beyond the game itself. Tom and Merry Beth Hansen, whose son plays on the team, shared their appreciation for the district, coaches, volunteers, and students who helped make the experience possible.
“As parents of a child with special needs, opportunities like this mean more to our family than words can fully express,” shared Tom and Merry Beth Hansen. “The match provided an experience where every athlete was welcomed, supported, encouraged, and celebrated. It was about far more than soccer. It was about inclusion, belonging, friendship, and the opportunity for students of all abilities to participate together.”
The Hansens have also seen the difference made by Bay Port's Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) mentors, who build relationships with their teammates, and by a student body that has embraced the program. Together, these efforts are helping create an environment where every student has a place on the team and a chance to be part of something special.
Looking Ahead
The soccer season was just the beginning. HSSD's ASL team will compete in floor hockey this winter and wiffle ball in the spring. Program leaders also hope to see the league grow to include additional school districts in the area.
For Brian and Amy Dahlin, the reason for investing in the program comes down to a simple idea: “This is inclusion at its best.”
