SKY Soccer Club is excited to announce our TOPSoccer dates for Fall 2024! US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
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.
If you have a child that has an intellectual, emotional, or physical disability and wants to play soccer, we would love to have you!! We have partnered with BG Parks and Rec's Adaptive Sports Program to make sure we deliver the best experience possible. Dates and registration information below!
Dates: October 4th, 18th, 22nd, and 29th
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Lovers Lane Soccer Complex
Registration: REGISTER PLAYERS HERE
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS for this program. We want every participant to a "buddy" while participating. If you have a player that wants to participate, see "buddy" description below:
Buddies: Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
TOPSoccer FAQ's
What is TOPSoccer (TOPS – The Outreach Program for Soccer)?
TOPS is a recreational sports program for children and adults with disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated clubs, such as the Southern Kentucky Soccer Club (SKY). The goal of SKY’s TOPSoccer program is to provide people with diverse abilities with an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
Who can play TOPS?
Anyone aged 4 years and older with an intellectual, physical, or emotional disability can play TOPS. Team placement is by ability, size, and age rather than age alone.
Who can volunteer for TOPS?
Anyone can volunteer as long as they are old enough and complete certain volunteer requirements (e.g., background check & SafeSport training for adult volunteers & online training for new volunteers).
Head Coach: 18+ years of age & available to assist with most sessions
Assistant Coach: 16+ years of age & available to assist with most sessions
Buddy (help support players on the field): 12+ years of age*possibly younger with permission
Other Volunteer Roles (e.g., volunteer coordinator, check-in staff)*age varies by role
Although experience playing or coaching soccer is helpful for volunteering with TOPS, it is not required. Training is provided.
Where and when does the SKY TOPS program take place?
Location: Lovers Lane Soccer Park, Bowling Green, KY
Session Dates: Oct 4th, Oct 18th, Oct 22nd, Oct 25th, and Oct 29th
Session Times: 6:00-7:00 PM on Field 1 at Lovers Lane Park
How do I get additional info about TOPS & register to be a volunteer?
You can find further details about the program and registration under the TOPSoccer tab on SKY’s website (https://www.skysoccer.org). The registration deadline is Sept 30th; however, the deadline can be extended if there are still spots available.
Need help with registration? Try these articles from GotSport Support
and view this step by step registration video. (Video below is based off a DIFFERENT program registration, but the required steps will be the same).
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