TOP Soccer
TOPSoccer Fall 2019
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a soccer program for young athletes with disabilities. It is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability in a safe and secure environment.
TOP Soccer Schedule for the Fall of 2019
Sunday October 20th, 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM
Sunday November 3rd, 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM
Saturday November 9th, 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM
Sunday November 17th, 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM
We are very excited to be using the indoor soccer field/rink at Greenville County Rec's Pavilion Recreation Complex at 400 Scottswood Rd., Taylors, SC 29687. This gives us an all-weather facility where we can keep all the activity in an enclosed area.
TOP Soccer is a recognized program within the US Youth Soccer Association and SC Youth Soccer Association. CESA’s program has been operating since 2000 and tries to hold 6 or more sessions each season (spring and fall).
We do not charge anything to participate. All we require is that the Players have a registration form filled out and Buddies sign in at the check-in table.
What is TOP Soccer?
TOP Soccer is a program designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with mental, physical or neurological disability. Our goal is to enable athletes with disabilities to participate in youth soccer in a safe and secure environment.
What type disabilities are included?
Any child with a disability including but not limited to: ADD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, heart problems, developmental delays, neurological impairments, hearing impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cystic Fibrosis, Downs Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Seizure Disorder and Spinal bifida.
We make plans to accommodate children with physical, mental, and neurological disabilities that have included:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Crutches
- Visual Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Traumatic Brain Injury
How are TOP Soccer Sessions Conducted?
There are three key people in a TOP Soccer session:
- Coach – leads activities
- Athlete (Player) – child with special needs
- Volunteer (Buddy) – volunteers who assists the Player with activities as needed
Players (athletes)
The Players come to sessions lead by a Coach where they participate in different soccer activities. Players are paired with a buddy who will assist them in activities and following directions from the Coach. As can be imagined abilities of the players varies widely and drills are modified to match their skills. Activities are paced to accommodate Players and the emphasis is always on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Buddies assist players while they are trying to master the drills reinforcing all efforts with encouragement.
Following sessions, that include at least 2 water breaks, there are snacks & drinks for Players and Buddies.
Registration Form for Players - Bring to the Players first Session
Buddies (volunteers)
TOP Soccer Buddies are invaluable volunteers who participate directly with individual players or in a team with several players to enable participation in the soccer activities. The buddy is not a Player within the TOP Soccer session and does not score goals. They help the Players succeed and keep them safe. Buddies should be in middle school or older. We have from pre-teen, teenager, to adult. Buddies do not have to be soccer players or have any experience playing soccer; they can be someone who works with special needs children or just wants to help and give to others.
Buddies participate in TOP Soccer for various reasons. Sometimes because they are interested in collecting service hours while helping others and some just for the opportunity to help and receive nothing for their effort except our “Thank You” as they leave each session. However, without them this could not be accomplished nearly as well as it is.
The role of the Buddy may include but not be limited to:
• Interact with Players, Coaches, parents
• Provide assistance as needed
• Assist Player to get into position to play
• Assist Player to focus on the activity
• Use touch/sign language/pictures to direct and guide
• Direct the ball to the Player for touches and contact
What does it cost?
There is no cost to the participants, for either Player or Buddy. We only ask that you come and have fun. We do ask families to sign up to bring snacks or drinks for the end of each session. There will be a sign-up sheet at the registration table.
How do I participate?
All that is required to participate as a player or buddy is to show up at one of the sessions. We do require a registration form to be completed for each Player before they participate.
TOP Soccer sessions are held indoors at the:
Pavilion Recreation Complex
400 Scottswood Road, Taylors SC 29687
If you have any questions please contact Richard Delap (864 268 1835)
Other web sites
From US Youth Soccer:
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/TOPSoccer/
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/TOPSoccer.asp
From Youtube showing other programs in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_zLifYpfNo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HBe3-YBoms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vy1B7trGuc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g0L3QLvMT8
