TOPSOCCER
A program designed to bring enjoyment of learning and the opportunity to play soccer to boys and girls who have mental or physical disabilities.
State Office ContactS
| John Schlenker | TOPS Chairman | piedmonttopsoccer@gmail.com | (540) 334-5677 |
What is TOPSoccer?
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer or The Outreach Program for Soccer is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
TOPSoccer Programs in Virginia are sponsored by the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and are affiliated with 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.
VYSA is committed to the development of new TOPSoccer programs and the enhancement of current programs. There are many children who deserve the right to enjoy soccer but are left with no place to play within the traditional system. It is our mission to help youth of all backgrounds to enjoy the beautiful game!
US Youth TOPSoccer
“Every child who wishes to play soccer deserves the right to participate!”
Benefits for Participants
- SOCIAL SKILLS – Players interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors.
- TEAMWORK – Players learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games.
- PERSEVERANCE – Players might encounter difficulties with activities, but they will be encouraged to keep trying and overcome challenges.
- CONFIDENCE – Players will achieve success on the field that carries over to their lives off the field in so many ways!
Differentiations of TOPSoccer
- Buddies: Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
- Coaches: TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
- Groupings: Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities.
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.