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 and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. The goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.
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."
TOPSoccer is designed to reach and meet the needs of children aged 4-19 years with physical and/or mental disabilities. The program caters to player development rather than competition. TOPSoccer takes the kids off the sidelines to participate in the game of soccer.
Through the efforts of US Youth Soccer, children participating in the TOPSoccer program will have the opportunity to develop a sense of belonging on and off the soccer pitch as well as learn the value of being part of a team, improve their self-esteem, fitness and social skills. But most importantly, enjoy the great game of soccer!
Modifications are made to the game to allow full participation and enjoyment to each child.
For more information about the VYS TOPSoccer program, please contact program director Bob Zadeh.