Apponequet Football and Plymouth South Unite to Make One Boy’s Dream Come True

On Sunday, October 27, a remarkable story unfolded at the Apponequet Junior Football & Cheer homecoming game.

Among the cheering crowd in Lakeville, 16-year-old William, an enthusiastic fan and supportive brother, stepped out onto the field – not as a spectator but as a player.

William, who is autistic, is known for his unwavering support for his brother and his brother’s team. He’s at every game, proudly wearing his brother’s jersey, cheering louder than anyone.

For William, though, the ultimate dream was to be on the field with his brother – a moment AJFC and their opponents, the Plymouth South Youth Football Jaguars, were honored to make happen.

Before the special play, AJFC shared on Facebook the significance of the moment, writing: "Today, we had the honor to participate in this incredible memory with a young man named Will. His passion and unwavering support inspire us all to look beyond labels and recognize the strength of family."

As the crowd cheered him on, William took the ball and ran toward the end zone, with players from both teams supporting him all the way.

'Will! Will! Will!" the crowd chanted loudly, and at the end of his run, his joy was clear; he was “smiling from ear to ear,” according to Ashley Boucher, AJFC’s president. William’s teammates even signed the game ball as a memento of this unforgettable experience.

“Football is about family, friendship, and opportunity,” Boucher said. "For us, it’s more about community and family than the game itself. It’s about fostering a safe, inclusive place for everyone.”

Brandon Fournier and the AJFC coaches and board members helped orchestrate this touching moment, bringing together players, board members and community supporters in a unified show of love and sportsmanship.

Plymouth South’s players joined in the celebration, running to the end zone and cheering alongside William, demonstrating the bond that sports can create.

"We love football, but it comes second to what we’re really trying to do," Boucher said. "This wasn’t the effort of one person. It took the teamwork of coaches, board members, and families to make this dream come true for William.”

As fans left the field that day, they took with them a memory that transcends touchdowns and tackles as a testament to the power of community, inclusivity and a brother’s dream fulfilled.