In the Windsor Special Stars soccer league for children with autism, parents and caregivers can come on the field with the children to play a game that always ends in a tie, no matter how many goals are scored. (Vince Robinet/CBC)

Soccer, known as the beautiful game, has proven to be a beautiful blessing in the lives of children with autism in Windsor, Ont., and for their parents as well.

The city's Special Stars soccer league is exclusively for autistic children aged six to 15.

It started a year ago with just 20 children on a school field playing with hockey nets instead of goal posts.

In 12 months the league has grown to 64 children playing on some of the best soccer fields in the city, with every piece of equipment from socks to shin guards donated by sponsors. The league has even had to turn sponsors away this year.

'Soccer has been fantastic for him'

What Special Stars soccer has done for the autistic children is more than many parents could have hoped for.

"He has a hard time facing the world sometimes and he really loves soccer," said Ramsi Haddad, whose son Tommy has a severe case of autism and is nonverbal.

The league takes care to avoid things that might distract or upset the children. (Vince Robinet/CBC)"Soccer has been fantastic for him."

There are no goalkeepers, and every game ends in a tie. Everyone gets a chance to score a goal, even if it's after the final whistle blows.

It's Tommy's second year in the league where parents or caregivers can come out on the field and play alongside the children if that's what makes the child feel safe.

"He really likes running around, but he doesn't usually have a reason," said Haddad.

"So put a ball in front of him and he has a lot of fun."

Soccer brings family together

The league has also brought Tommy closer to his brother Jack.

Several parents say the league has helped teach their child motor skills and patience, and has brought family members closer together. (Vince Robinet/CBC)"I used to be playing and he had to sit on the sidelines," said Jack, who for the first time has an activity he can share with his brother.

"I would coach him and it's really fun."

Special Stars soccer pays attention to the things that can be problematic for autistic children. Signs are posted around the field that read "Autistic children's soccer game in progress. Please no bikes, no dogs in this area."

Founder believes all kids have right to play

The man behind the league, Patrick Roberts, had no experience with autistic children, he simply heard about an autistic boy who wasn't fitting in with his recreational team and decided there had to be a better way for that child to enjoy soccer.

Roberts is a volunteer for whom Special Stars has become a life-changing experience.

"You'll see [the parents] going and see that child going and I'll say to the parent 'let go' .. and they will," Roberts told CBC News.

"And they'll come and score on net and look at the Dad or Mom and say 'pretty good eh?' And you'll see tears … because it's working for them."

Impact also seen off the pitch

League founder Patrick Roberts does not have a child with autism, but simply believes all children have the right to play and enjoy the beautiful game. (Vince Robinet/CBC)Roberts said the children are learning motor skills and how to be patient.

"We're all looking and shaking our heads … this is working well," said Roberts.

"I'm learning every day. The more I learn the more I love 'em. It takes over you, it really does."

Many of the parents tell Roberts they see great changes in their children, and can now take them grocery shopping or to the movies, things that would have been almost impossible before the soccer league began.

"Patrick is an angel. A big angel, but an angel nevertheless," said Haddad.

"He puts his heart and soul into it and he really cares, and it's really nice to see people like that helping your own kid out , because his kid isn't autistic."