TOPSoccer - The Outreach Program for Soccer is a community-based recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. 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 and adults with disabilities who need and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.

Benefits for players include:

• SOCIAL SKILLS - Players interact with their volunteer buddies 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!  

We focus on fun and providing meaningful participation rather than on competition. We modify the game to allow full participation and enjoyment for each athlete and provide opportunities for building strong interpersonal bonds, establishment of trust and confidence, fitness, and self-esteem.  Our TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in modifying soccer so everyone can be successful.  Each week our coaches welcome volunteer 'buddies’ who are typically a little older and neurotypical. These buddies play with our TOPSoccer players and make sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun.  The needs of our players vary from physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.  Everyone plays at their own pace in a safe, fun, and supportive/inclusive environment.  One-on-one assistance is available.  There is no age limit for our players.  We play every Saturday afternoon between September and November from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at McPherson Athletic Facility (333 S. Prospect Street, Orange, 92866). There are no practices or weekday events.

If you have someone who would like to player TOPSoccer or become a buddy, or if you have any questions regarding TOPSoccer, please email Jim Watson at [email protected]

Please follow us on Instagram @ojsctopsoccer and check out these helpful links:

https://calsouth.com/topsoccer/

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