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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 girl, 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 US Youth Soccer family. 

History of TOPSoccer 

TOPSoccer was formed in 1992 when the Special Olympic Organization requested the assistance from the US Youth Soccer on developing a soccer program for disabled children throughout the United States. 

Even with a strong history of providing disabled children the opportunity to participate in sporting events, the Special Olympic Organization felt that US Soccer could promote TOPSoccer in a more adequate fashion. 

As of to date, there are TOPSoccer Programs in the majority of the United States.  However, our goal is to have a TOP Soccer Program in EVERY State.

How do I participate? 

Contact the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association office to find out more about getting involved with a local US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program. 

Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program? 

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."  There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program. 

Benefits

It only takes one person at a site to start a TOPSoccer program, and the volunteers will come forward … the parents of players … the brothers of players … the sisters of players … the list is never ending.  In addition, make sure to talk to the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association.  They can also aid in providing volunteers as well as shirts, balls, and other soccer equipment that will make your TOPSoccer program a success. 

Just think of the benefit you will have by providing the young athletes with disabilities in your state the opportunity to play soccer. 

If you would like more information on TOPSoccer, please contact the state office at (734) 459-6220 or stateoffice@msysa.net. 

Getting Started 

1. Identify the need in your area. 
• For what type of disabilities do you need to plan?
• Are you able to fulfill these needs? 
2. Check for any restrictions placed on the facility(ies) you plan to use. 
• Are they equipped to handle athletes with physical disabilities? 
3. Check with your soccer insurance carrier. 
4. Contact established programs for information. 
• US Youth Soccer
• Special Olympics
• United Cerebral Palsy
• Shriners 
5. Contact your local school districts and universities. 
6. Create a list of people who are able to assist you. 
7. Plan your advertisements. 
8. Get the support of the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association and the Regional - TOPSoccer Representative, and use them as resources. 

Creating Your Program 

1. 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. 
2. Length of program is determined by organizer (6-8 weeks) 
3. Playing rules. 
• Create rules to fit specific needs.
• Use the US Youth Soccer Under 6, Under 8 or Under 10 guidelines 
4. TOPSoccer programs can have very modest beginnings. 
5. For those athletes not able to participate due to medical reasons, design a skills program that is rewarding, challenging and fun. 
6. Variety of choices. 
• Small-sided games (3 v 3, 4 v 4, 8 v 8, etc.) 
• Full-sided games (11v11) 
• Unified teams (ratio of challenged athletes to non-challenged athletes) 
• Indoor programs 
• Outdoor program 
• Camps 
• Skills only
7. Above all... keep it simple... KEEP IT FUN! 

Placement and Registration of Athletes 

1. 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. 
2. Placement is made by ability not age. 
3. Assessment tests should be made available upon request.
4. Ensure that the experience is meaningful for the participating athletes, and one in which they feel they have made a contribution. 

Recruiting Coaches 

1. 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 US Youth Soccer and the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association sponsored coaching courses. 
• Through Special Olympics. 

Cost Involved 

1. Costs vary depending upon your registration fees and insurance fees, and uniform and equipment costs. 
2. Cost should be kept low and affordable to all possible participants. 
3. Grants are available through US Youth Soccer. 
4. There are philanthropic entities, such as the Shriners which offer assistance.  Research others in the local community (Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, etc.). 
5. Approach local companies or corporations for cash or in-kind donations.

Helpful Hints 

1. Use color coded goals or nets (e.g., red goals/yellow nets). 
2. Have scrimmage vests available. 
3. Have a ball for each athlete. 
4. HAVE FUN!