TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is the recreational sports program offered for youth with intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities. TOPSoccer 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 active participation rather than on competition. Participants are assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities. Play is adapted to meet their level and ensure that challenges are achievable and fun.
Players will work on social skills and team work as they interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors. They will also learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games. Players will also learn perseverance as they might encounter difficulties with activities, but they will be encouraged to keep trying and overcome challenges. With that, they will develop confidence to carry off the field and into their everyday lives.
Please see the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Video found here.
TOPSoccer NASC will host four sessions each season. These sessions will take place at McKinney Soccer Complex (402 McKinney Road, Wexford, PA 15090) on Sunday afternoons from 2:30 - 3:30. The dates for this upcoming season are as follows:
April 21, 2024
May 5, 2024
May 19, 2024
June 2, 2024
The registration cost for each season's TOPSoccer sessions is displayed under registration information. Each player receives a jersey as part of the registration cost. Please note that this medical form is required to be completed and uploaded during the registration process for any child wishing to participate in TOPSoccer.
Buddy Volunteers sign up here: TOPSoccer Buddy Volunteer Form