"Top" of Their Game.

With the help of a top Olympic athlete, US Youth Soccer continues to open the field of play of this highly popular sport to youngsters with disabilities.

Participation in soccer among kids of all ages has been staggering in the past decade. According to US Youth Soccer, a national nonprofit and educational organization whose mission is to promote the emotional, mental, and physical development of America's youth through the game, soccer remains the fastest growing team sport among kids and teens in the nation.

Back in 1992, after recognizing the potential growth of soccer in the country and envisioning the benefits that playing soccer could bring to youngsters with disabilities, a parallel program to US Youth Soccer called TOPSoccer (see EP July 1999) was launched. Since that time, TOPSoccer, which stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, a community-based outreach and team-placement program for children with special needs between the ages of 4 and 19, has brought 8,000 young participants with disabilities off the sidelines and onto the field.

On the field

TOPSoccer athletes experience the physical activity and emotional thrills inherent in any fun game of soccer, but they are also afforded the accommodations necessary to meet their special needs. First, teams are formed based on needs and abilities, not age, which takes into consideration the varied pace at which children with different disabilities develop. Second, the emphasis of the program is on building self-esteem and motor skills, having fun, and fostering camaraderie, rather than winning or losing.

To complement the participation of youth with disabilities, TOPSoccer also offers a "buddy" volunteer component, which pairs up each player with a nondisabled youth soccer athlete for extra assistance in learning and playing the game. The positive benefits of this one-on-one partnership are mutual, not only helping the TOPSoccer players develop their bodies and improve their skills, but, according to the parents of the "buddy" volunteers, instilling in their children a sense of pride in their volunteerism.

Passing on the word

To help bring soccer closer to the approximately 4.5 million children in the US with disabilities, TOPSoccer and their first national sponsor, Uniroyal[R] Tire, have recently enlisted the help of Co-captain and Olympic gold medalist on the US Women's National Team Julie Foudy. Ms. Foudy, who is a twelve-year veteran of the national team and now the official spokesperson of TOPSoccer, kicked off a new public-awareness campaign for the program in May by holding a mini-clinic in New York City, where she offered her expertise and shared her experiences with the East Hudson TOPSoccer League. The national sponsorship and fundraising efforts are aimed at providing much-needed funds for equipment and uniforms.

Speaking on the momentum that the TOPSoccer program is enjoying nationwide, Ms. Foudy is excited about the rewards her work getting children with mental and physical disabilities interested in playing the game will bring her. "These kids are doing things most never dreamed possible. And when it comes to scoring a goal, their excitement will rival a World Cup goal any day."

Organizing a local program: a goal within reach

For anyone interested in launching a TOPSoccer program in their area, US Youth Soccer recommends potential organizers first to establish the needs within the community and make contacts. Below are some of these recommendations:

* Identify the number of children with special needs in your area and determine how your program can help fulfill those needs

* Ensure that the facilities you plan to use can accommodate children with special needs

* Consult a soccer insurance carrier

* Contact established programs and institutions for assistance: US Youth Soccer, Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, Shriners, local schools and universities, etc.

* Compile a list of volunteers

* Plan for promotion and advertising

* Contact other US Youth Soccer and TOPSoccer representatives and use them as resources

Once your preparations are complete, starting the program is the next step:

* Recruit coaches--use your resources for assistance

* Group the players into teams--by ability, not age

* Determine the length of the program (usually 6-8 weeks)

* Establish the rules

* Be prepared for a modest beginning

* Adjust the field for smaller teams

* Consider both indoor and outdoor facilities or a soccer camp program.

* Prepare a parallel skills program for those who cannot play in games

* Keep your costs low and affordable, and most important,

* Make it fun!

For a list of your state's Youth Soccer Association, log onto http://www.youthsoccer. org/network/states.cfm.

For more information on TOPSoccer and starting a program in your community, contact:

Jim Cosgrove Director, Soccer Operations US Youth Soccer 899 Presidential Dr., Ste. 117 Richardson, TX 75081 Phone: (800) 4-SOCCER (476-2237) Web site: http://www.youthsoccer.org (click on "On the Field")