Children with disabilities playing soccer with supportive adults on a field.

LSA TOPsoccer

TOPSoccer — The Outreach Program for Soccer — is an adaptive soccer program designed to give children and young adults with intellectual, emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

Details about this National Program:

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/topsoccer/

At Lindale Soccer Association, we believe in "One Community, One Goal," and TOPSoccer is a natural extension of that mission. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer, build confidence, make friends, and be part of a team, regardless of ability.

LSA TOPSoccer is focused on participation, encouragement, and inclusion rather than competition. Players are paired with volunteers and “Buddies” who help create a positive and engaging experience for every participant.

Our goal is simple: provide a place where every player can have fun, feel supported, and enjoy the game of soccer at their own pace.

TOPSoccer is open to players of varying ages and abilities, and no prior soccer experience is required.

Benefits

Differentiators of TOPSoccer

SOCIAL SKILLS – Players interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors.

TEAMWORK – Players learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games.

PERSEVERANCE – Players might encounter difficulties with activities, but they will be encouraged to keep trying and overcome challenges.

CONFIDENCE – Players will achieve success on the field that carries over to their lives off the field in so many ways!

Differentiators of TOPSoccer

BUDDIES – Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. This Buddy works with their player individually to ensure 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.

COACHES – TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.

GROUPINGS – Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities.