Seattle Youth Soccer Association offers a broad range of leagues and programs to soccer seeking youth across the Seattle area. Today we are taking a moment to highlight the TOPSoccer program which offers players with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in the beautiful game.
TOPSoccer is a nationally supported program through US Youth Soccer, but run locally as a community-based soccer program for boys and girls 4 years old and up. Organized by volunteers, this unique program enables players to participate at levels consistent with their skills. Players are grouped by ability, not just age, so that they can develop at their own pace. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for youth with special needs to be included in the soccer community and participate in physical activities, grow socially and emotionally, and connect with others.
In addition to the players, TOPSoccer has a second component, and that is the opportunity for volunteers (typically high school students) to be "Buddies" and assist and support players on the field. High school students seeking opportunities to volunteer in an environment that provides a connection to sports, education and assisting people with disabilities are encouraged to participate. Buddies do not need to be soccer players themselves to help out.
The TOPSoccer program in Seattle currently runs out of Magnuson Arena Sports and is led by volunteers Jeff Rochon, Ryan Chang, Alison Winfield, Gail Vecchiet and Katie Zwiebel. Prior to their leadership, TOPSoccer was in the hands of Ken Lauzen who spearheaded the program for 15 years. Ken originally got involved after his daughter Devan started playing years ago. At the time that she started TOPSoccer, the sessions were being run by a generous high school volunteer. After a few weeks of Devan being involved, Ken was asked if he would be interested in helping out and possibly taking over. Because Ken knew how much his daughter was enjoying the program, he didn't want it to disappear. So TOPSoccer was dropped into his lap, and he ran with it.
"We ran a good, fun program for years that really grew and grew," Ken said. "We had lots of parents helping, lots of high school kids out there helping as Buddies. Parents got time to hang out together and create community. It was great."
All levels of players can participate in TOPSoccer. Ken says his goal was always that he wanted the kids to "get exercise, have fun, feel a sense of inclusion - and oh by the way, we have soccer balls out there too." Emphasizing the community, the physical activity and the fun elements, in addition to learning soccer skills, was always very important to him.
“You get kids out here, some have no idea why they are out there or what they are doing, but you give them high fives and encouragement and they leave with excitement and enthusiasm and can’t wait to come back. That’s what this is all about.”
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TOPSoccer is a donation-based and volunteer run program. Arena Sports donates the fields and the equipment, which is a HUGE component to this program remaining feasible and being able to reach so many kids. The Seattle TOPSoccer program has very little operating costs, requiring only small player registration fees that go to cover the minimal expenses (one of which is the end-of-season party that is a much anticipated event among players).
Current TOPSoccer volunteer Alison Winfield helps manage the program off the field with fellow volunteer Gail, while Jeff, Ryan and Katie run the field sessions. Like Ken, Alison's daughter has participated for years, and because of her daughter's experience, she didn't want to see the program go away. She volunteered to be a part of the group who took over last year when Ken stepped away following his daughter's graduation from high school and the TOPSoccer program. Alison wanted to help continue the program because of how much her daughter has loved it. "It's a fun, very relaxed opportunity to get kids out and busy and moving around and making friends. It's also a wonderful opportunity for parents to be around other parents who understand each other.”
Volunteer to be a buddy!
High school students, this is the perfect opportunity if you are looking to:
- get service hours
- engage with kids & young adults
- have fun and play soccer!
In looking ahead to the upcoming spring season, Alison says that a record number of players have registered. That is great news for the program, but also means the need for on-field volunteers has increased. "We are looking for high school students to be Buddies and join in and experience the joy of helping others. Optimally, we would love to have a 1-1 match-up of player-to-Buddy. You can get service hours, and it's only a small commitment, 2 hours each Sunday for 8 weeks. My son participates and really enjoys it," says Alison.
“I really enjoy being a Buddy for TOPSoccer. It is a great opportunity to introduce a sport I love to my sister and her friends with disabilities. I’ve seen the players make tons of progress over the years and it is very rewarding! ”
The spring TOPSoccer program starts mid April and runs into early June. Sessions are all on Sundays at Arena Sports Magnuson. Register today if you are interested in volunteering to be a Buddy! Reach out to anne.bare@sysa.org with questions.
