|  What
is TOPSoccer?
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 and playing soccer to any boy or
girls, age 8-19, 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 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & US Youth Soccer
families. Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the Eastern
Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & 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. Getting
Started: Identify
the need in your area. - For what type of
disabilities do you need to plan?
- Are you able
to fulfill these needs?
Check for any restrictions
placed on the facility (ies) you plan to use. - Are
they equipped to handle athletes with physical disabilities?
Check
with your soccer insurance carrier. - Is
there an extra cost to cover athletes with disabilities?
- Are
there special waivers to sign?
Contact
established programs for information. - Eastern
Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & US Youth Soccer
- Special
Olympics
- United Cerebral Palsy
- Shriners
Contact your local school districts and
universities. - These institutions can be
a great source for athletes and volunteers.
Create
a list of people who are able to assist you. Plan
your advertisement (s). Get the support of EPYSA's Representative
and the Regional TOPSoccer Representative, and use them as resource. Creating
Your Program: The unique thing about TOPSoccer
is that each program is different and is created around the needs of the participants.
Additionally, TOPSoccer athletes are placed on teams according to ability, not
age. Variety of choices. - Small-sided
games (3 v 3, 4 v 4, 8 v 8, etc.)
- Full-sided
games (11 v 11)
- Unified teams (ratio of challenged
athletes to non-challenged athletes)
- Indoor
program
- Outdoor program
- Camps
- Skills only
- Length
of program is determined by organizer (6-8 weeks)
- Playing
rules.
- Create rules to fit specific needs
- Use the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
& US Youth Soccer Under 6, Under 8 or Under 10 rules.
- TOPSoccer
programs can have very modest beginnings.
- For
those athletes not able to participate due to medical reason, design a skills
program that is rewarding, challenging and fun.
- Above
all...keep it simple...KEEP IT FUN!
Placement
and Registration of Athletes Registration procedures should
be the same as those used for regular league teams. - Registration
form should include a section for medical history.
- Athletes
with Down-syndrome should be required to have a current x-ray. If the x-ray is
positive, for their safety, it should be strongly recommended that they do not
take part in team play.
- In some cases medical
waivers may be required.
Placement is made
by ability, not age. Assessment tests should
be made available upon request. Ensure that the
experience is meaningful for the participating athletes, and one in which they
feel they have made a contribution. Recruiting
Coaches: Contact local universities,
schools and soccer clubs for volunteers. The State Coach or Director of Coaching
for the state association is also a good source for coaches. No special training
is required, however it is available. - Through
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & US Youth Soccer sponsored
coaching courses.
- Through Special Olympics.
Cost
Involved:
- Costs vary depending upon your registration fees and insurance
fees, and uniform and equipment costs.
- Costs
should be kept low and affordable to all possible participants.
- Grants
are available through Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & US Youth Soccer.
- Community (Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, etc.)
There are philanthropic entities, such as the Shriners, which offer assistance.
Research others in the local
- Approach local
companies or corporations for cash or in-kind donations.
Helpful
Hints:
- Use color coded goals or nets (e.g., red goals/yellow nets).
- Have scrimmage vests available.
- Have
a ball for each athlete.
- HAVE FUN!
Don’t Forget These Special
Kids! There are thousands
of young athletes with disabilities in your state who are looking for the opportunity
to play soccer. It is up to YOU to give them this chance.
- Eastern Pennsylvania TOPSoccer Chairperson
Diane Spencer | 
