TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs. The program, 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.
The emphasis of this program is on development, training, and meaningful participation rather than on competition. 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.”
TOPSOCCER SATURDAY
Event Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Event Location: Round Rock Multipurpose Complex
Event Outline:
- Workshop Session: 9:00am – 10:30am
- Field Event Session: 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Awards/Celebrations: 12:15pm
Workshop Details: Educational classroom session to learn more about TOPSoccer programming, championing your own programs, resources available, etc. for administrators, coaches, volunteers, and more.
Field Event Session Details: Sample program day and activities with TOPSoccer Athletes with a celebration to follow!
SEVEN (7) KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM
A TOPSoccer player is defined as any youth player between the ages of 4 and 19 who has physical or mental disability which limits their ability to perform at the level of play they have chosen to participate. A successful TOPSoccer program consists of the following elements:
- Placement of players by ability, not age
- Emphasis on ability not disability
- Player involvement
- Meaningful experience for players, not mere tokenism
- Achievement of individual goals
- Dependability and stability of coaches
- FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!
SOUTH TEXAS ASSISTANCE
South Texas provides information and guidance in development of their TOPSoccer programs for members across the state. For assistance or questions regarding TOPSoccer, please contact Kincaid Hunt.
