About the Program
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (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 athletes are up to age 18 with a disability including but not limited to: Intellectual Disabilities, A.D.D., Autism, Hearing Impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorder and Spinal Bifida.
Registration
July 16th: Registration Opens
Key Dates
TBD: Buddy Orientation
September 10th: Orientation & Welcome Session
September 17th: Session #1
September 24th: Session #2
October 1st: Session #3
October 8th: Session #4
October 15th: Session #5
October 22nd: Session #6
Program Information
The TOPSoccer program runs for 6 weeks and features one 45-minute training session each week. There is no cost to participate in this program. Participants will be given a jersey.
The sessions and activities will be modified to match the needs and abilities of each individual and each athlete will be paired with a Buddy to help and guide them through the games and activities.
Sessions will take place at:
GCAA Complex:
8994 Cleveland Rd, Clayton, NC 27520
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.
- Perserverance– 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!
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.
Buddies must be age 13 or older. Buddies can earn volunteer/service hours for the training sessions they complete. Buddy attendance is imperative. Please ensure availability for all session dates prior to registering.
Buddies are required to complete the following prior to participation:
- SafeSport Training (Age-appropriate)
- Risk Management Application
- 1 Hour Virtual Buddy Orientation
Reference these instructions for completion of SafeSport and Risk Management. Buddies will receive an invite to the orientation meeting.
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.
TOPSoccer Coaches are required to complete the following prior to participation:
- SafeSport Training
- Risk Management Application
Reference these instructions for completion of SafeSport and Risk Management.