Colorado: Soccer-Loving Teens Bond with Unlikely Canine Teammate

In a Denver suburb, two middle schoolers practicing freestyle soccer tricks got an adorable surprise when a stray golden retriever pup joined the fun, dribbling alongside them for 20 joyful minutes in a viral clip that's racked up millions of views. The heart-melting impromptu game inspired local youth leagues to host "pet pal" sessions.

Youth excellence roundup:

The boys' quick thinking to include the pup turned a solo drill into a lesson in adaptability; X users praised it as a reminder that sports spark unexpected magic and empathy in kids.