TopSoccer
Ashland TOPS is a special program for children with disabilities. TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer."
Our goal is to provide activities for children with disabilities to improve their motor skills and improve balance and dexterity through fun games associated with soccer. Ashland High School athletes volunteer their time to serve as buddies for the program by working with the children during the TOPS sessions once a week. .
Thank you to the Ashland High School athletic department for providing space for the TOPS again this year!
Cost: Free
If you know of a child who would benefit from this program,call Thierry at 488-3406 or email lefoot@opendoor.com
TOPSoccer is managed through Oregon Youth Soccer, and hosted by local soccer clubs. Ideally, a club will inquire about hosting a TOPS program in their local area. We ask them to identify interested volunteer coaches, assistants or "Buddies", locate a facility, and determine dates they wish to run the program. Most programs run one or two 8 week sessions each year. Usually Spring and Fall, some are winter or summer programs, or some hold just one session. Gymnasiums are typically used for sessions to provide a secure site and not be affected by weather. Oregon Youth Soccer will provide specialty materials needed, such as soft soccer balls, "Pop Up" goals, "T" shirts, equipment bags, "bell" balls for children with a vision impairment, and "wheelchair" balls. Pennies & cones are items most clubs have, but can be provided by Oregon Youth Soccer. Sponsors sometimes provide boxes of promotional items, but only some items pertain to the TOPS participants. "Buddies" are high school age students who assist with the participants. If the disabilities of the participants are significant, a buddy may be needed for each participant. Usually 2-5 buddies are sufficient for a program. The "Buddies" may receive Community Service credits towards graduation, and can be nominated for state and local recognition as "Buddy of the Year".
Oregon Youth Soccer provides support by listing the locations on our website, printing address labels for brochures to publicize your local TOPS program, and providing certificates for the participants. Training programs and information are available for coaches
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