VYSA TOPSoccer: An Overview
by Bob Sokolinsky
Virginia Youth Soccer Association – TOPSoccer Overview
Bob Sokolinsky, VYSA TOPSoccer Chair.
TOPSoccer Programs in Virginia are sponsored by Virginia Youth Soccer Association and affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer. The Outreach Program for Soccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by VYSA member clubs and volunteers. The programs are designed to bring the enjoyment of learning and playing soccer to boys and girls who have a mental or physical disability. The goal is to enable the hundreds of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family. How can you obtain more information and start your journey into TOPSoccer? Contact the VYSA state office at 540-693-1430, vysa@vysa.com, or the VYSA TOPSoccer Program Chair at 252-586-5341, topsoccer@vysa.com.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer -The Outreach Program for Soccer
US Youth Soccer Association TOPSoccer
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning the playing of soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.
How do I participate? Contact your local US Youth Soccer State Association office. In Virginia or the District of Columbia it is Virginia Youth Soccer Association at www.vysa.com or 540-693-1430. Other state associations can be found at (http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/aboutus/StateAssociationDirectory/). Or simply contact your state TOPSoccer chair at topsoccer@vysa.com.
Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.” There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.
To get started
VYSA TOPSoccer
This is your TOPSoccer Corner where Virginia and DC clubs and leagues exchange TOPSoccer ideas, provide information, and answer each other’s questions.
Wherever soccer programs for athletes with disabilities have been implemented, they have proven to be one of the most popular physical activities for these athletes -- these kids LOVE soccer! And coaching them is one of the most satisfying experiences a soccer coach can have.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A PROGRAM, share your experiences with fellow clubs. In addition to a description of what you’re doing, folks will be especially interested in how you got started and what problems you faced. Send me an email or letter , and we’ll let others know what you’re doing.
We also need to get an information exchange going -- we can all benefit by sharing each other’s experience. So check out the following pages -- and if your questions aren’t answered, send us a note -- we’ll get the answer.
TOPSoccer Events in VYSA
Statewide TOPSoccer Events sponsored by Virginia Youth Soccer Association
VYSA Annual Convention – TOPSoccer Program.
VYSA holds its annual convention each February. The location is chosen to maximize attendance. The convention has been held in Richmond for the past few years. The mission is to bring membership together to discuss issues, present annual awards, bring in expert lecturers and clinicians to provide important and/or the most up-to-date information. The convention committee works hard to provide topics most important to our membership. Those present have an opportunity attend a variety of topical sessions and meet and talk with many vendors.
TOPSoccer sessions vary from year to year. TOPSoccer awards are presented Friday evening. On Saturday, a field demonstration is conducted, with local players and buddies. In even years, the 4 ½ US Youth TOPSoccer Training Course is offered. In odd years, a lecture on important topics is presented and a meeting is held for all VYSA program volunteers - open to the public.
National and regional TOPSoccer experts are brought in to provide the best possible sessions.
All VYSA TOPSoccer players and buddies are welcome to attend and participate. Look for the announcement flyer sent to club TOPSoccer administrators for distribution.
VYSA Annual TOPSoccer Festival
The VYSA TOPSoccer Festival is held each June in conjunction with the Kohl’s Recreational Cup. The site of the cup is Patriot Park in Spotsylvania County. The TOPSoccer Festival is held inside the Ron Rosner Family YMCA adjacent to the park. The air-conditioned facility is a perfect setting. Coaches for the event are approved by the TOPSoccer committee. Those players, buddies and parents that attend have a great time. The festival concludes with a short social.
All VYSA TOPSoccer players and buddies are welcome to attend and participate. Look for the announcement flyer sent to club TOPSoccer administrators for distribution.
US Youth TOPSoccer Training Course.
The US Youth TOPSoccer Training Course is offered for all administrators, coaches, buddies and other TOPSoccer volunteers. The course content includes:
· General Overview of TOPSoccer
· Players’ Challenges
· Coaching and Ideas for Coaching TOPSoccer Players
· Prevention and Care of Injuries
· Communication with the TOPSoccer Player
· The TOPSoccer Buddy
The course is offered at the state convention in even years and at various announced sites in odd years. TOPSoccer clubs are encouraged to sponsor the course. When approved, the VYSA Training Director will assign the course staff.
Other Events
VYVA TOPSoccer participates in various activities and work with other programs to provide exciting activities for children with special needs. An example was our participation in the Nickelodeon “Day of Play” event held in September of 2011. Day of Play was held inside Ellipse in front of the White House in Washington, DC. Most of the attendees, 90+ players and 90+ buddies, were from Virginia TOPSoccer.
VYSA TOPSoccer representatives attend many awareness seminars and workshops across Virginia providing a display station and an opportunity to speak with a VYSA TOPSoccer representative. Families gather information about TOPSoccer and obtain contact information for a club program nearest their home.
TOPSoccer Festival a Success
Virginia Youth Soccer Association
TOPSoccer Festival
In conjunction with the VYSA Spotsylvania Kohl’s Cup
On June 23, 2012, The Outreach Program for Soccer, VYSA TOPSoccer completed another successful event – the TOPSoccer Festival 2012. The festival was held at the Ron Rosner Family YMCA in Spotsylvania. The activity program was run by TOPSoccer Coach Travis Wells from Loudoun Soccer.
Click here to see photos and the article about this wonderful event.
New US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Video
US Youth Soccer has posted a new video in their web site about the TOPSoccer Program. Please click here to view that video.
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