TOPSoccer is a modified version of
the game of soccer, designed to provide opportunities for special
needs children ages 4-19. It provides a very affordable opportunity
for fitness, fun and building self-esteem.
Modifications are made to the game to allow full
participation and enjoyment to each child.
One-on-one assistance is available to those who need it.
It offers a recreational, leisure approach to the game of
soccer.
TOPSoccer is coordinated through your local soccer community
organization.
WHAT IS TOPSOCCER?
TOPSoccer (The Outreach
program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement
program for young athletes with special needs.
The TOPSoccer program is
designed and administered by US Youth Soccer and its volunteer
TOPSoccer committee provides meaningful learning, development and
physical participation opportunities to these young athletes through
the game of soccer.
ATHLETES
A TOPSoccer player is defined
as any youth player between the ages of 4 and 19 who
has a disability that limits their ability to perform at the level of
play in which they have chosen to participate.
MISSION
TOPSoccer was formed to
perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement, which is, to
foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development
through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.
Our goal is to enable the
thousands of young athletes with disabilities to develop their
physical fitness, technical skills, courage and self-esteem, through
the joy and excitement of playing soccer.
FACTS
Listed below are some amazing
facts on the prevalence of disabilities within our society. These facts are the latest available from the 1990 Census conducted
by the U.S. Census Bureau.
There are 48.9 million
people with disabilities. 7 million have mental
disabilities
50,000 children a year
become disabled through accidents.
150,000 babies are born
each year with a birth defect.
VOLUNTEERS
How Can I Help?
There are thousands of
children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with the
opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer Program. The
TOPSoccer program would not exist without the countless hours
donated by dedicated volunteers across the country. Yet, we
need more volunteers to help make this a reality for these children.
If you believe in the statement “the gift of life is the gift of
giving,” you are on the right track to becoming a volunteer.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on TOPSoccer, including how to start a club, visit the US Youth Soccer Website.
who
has a disability that limits their ability to perform at the level of
play in which they have chosen to participate.
