Sports
TOPSoccer Stars: A Community-Based Soccer Program for Kids with Special Needs
Kids of all ages get a kick out of TOPSoccer program.
Nearly 60 people, mostly kids, spent Saturday afternoon kicking around soccer balls with special needs kids at Depot Hill Park in Santa Cruz for a community-based league known as TOPSoccer Stars.
The league is organized by Santa Cruz County Youth Soccer League (SCCSYL) volunteers and provides people ages 4 through adult with developmental and physical disabilities an opportunity to play soccer.
“Now in its fourth season, the program is not competitive, but more an active based training,” said Dave Cole, board member and volunteer. “We want the kids to understand the game of soccer while having fun in a safe environment. We use big balls and other props to encourage dribbling, passing and exercising. The kids love the parachute and playing Simon Says with soccer balls.”
Find out what's happening in Scotts Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
These drills are success based, which makes the TOPSoccer Stars feel connected while at the same time builds strong motor skills.
Similar to a conventional team, all players receive a uniform, pictures, a certificate and trophy at the end of the year.
Find out what's happening in Scotts Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A significant part of TOPSoccer Stars is the Buddies. Buddies can be a same-aged peer, a teenager or an adult. They can be a soccer player or someone who has no soccer experience, but a strong desire to enable children to have fun. Buddies help the TOPSoccer player succeed and keep them safe as possible.
Sage, a high school soccer player, has been a buddy with the program for the past four years.
"I love to play soccer and wanted to help kids enjoy the game as much as I do,” Sage said. “The personalities of the kids are all very different. They want to play soccer, have fun and find new friendships"
“The buddies make this program,” said Robert Rhoades, board member and volunteer. “Without them, the TOPSoccer Stars program would not be successful. We encourage schools, teams at any level to come out and participate. On the soccer field, we are all equal; we just play regular soccer together.”
Parents speak highly of the program.
“We have a great parent network along the sidelines,” said Terri McKinney whose son Steven is active in the program. “Steven and his friend Michael have been friends since they were 5 and they are proud to be part of the TOPSoccer Stars team. What’s cool is players want to be here, play soccer and make new friends.”
Bob Evans’ daughter Jane, 5, has played in the league for the past three years.
“We want more kids to get involved because, wow, this is a good time!” Evans said. “Not only is it great exercise but it’s a social outlet for the kids as well.”
“Social time comes at the end,” said Daryl von Haunalter, coordinator and board member. “Pizza is delivered by our sponsor Woodstock Pizza. Our program relies on sponsors and we thank the 2011 sponsors for their contributions—Whiting's Foods, Canepa Design, Play It Again Sports in Soquel, Sports Design, and Scotts Valley Rotary are all sponsors of the TOPSoccer Stars program.”
It is heartwarming to see the kids in action. The buddies are compassionate and caring. TOPSoccer leagues bring out the best in people.
The spirit of generosity is contagious. Come see for yourself at the next TOPSoccer Stars game held May 14, 4-6 p.m. at Depot Hill Park.
For season details on the TOPSoccer program click here
Check the Patch calendar for next league play and updates and how you can get involved.
