WHAT IS TOPSOCCER?

US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides children with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.

The TOPSoccer program is designed and administered by US Youth Soccer and its volunteer TOPSoccer committee provides meaningful learning, development and physical participation opportunities to these young athletes through the game of soccer.

• Modifications are made to the game to allow full participation and enjoyment to each child.
• One-on-one assistance is available to those who need it.
• It offers a recreational, leisure approach to the game of soccer.
  

MISSION STATEMENT

TOPSoccer Participation

Benefits for Athletes

• SOCIAL SKILLS - Players interact with their volunteer Buddy 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!

TOPSoccer Participants

• Athletes: A TOPSoccer player is defined as any youth player between the ages of 4 and 19 who has a disability that limits their ability to perform at the level of play in which they have chosen to participate.
• Buddies: Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
• Coaches: TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
• Groupings: Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities.

What is the difference between a Coach volunteer and a Buddy volunteer? 
Generally there will be a 1:1 ratio with a Buddy assigned to every player in the TOPSoccer program. Buddies follow the direction and guidance of the Coach(es) assisting and encouraging the players during each activity for the duration of the session. 

Generally there is/are 1 or 2 coaches leading each session, directing Buddies with each activity and assisting otherwise as needed to ensure a successful and fun session. The RAYSA TOPSoccer Director will provide structured practice plans with modified activities that maximize participation and enjoyment of the game for every child no matter their age or disability.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO VOLUNTEER!

TOPSoccer at RAYSA, Play or Volunteer

The TOPSoccer program with Ringgold Area Youth Soccer Association is also open to families from neighboring youth soccer leagues as well as across the other South Hills and Mon-Valley communities of Western PA.

TOPSoccer here is organized by the TOPSoccer Director from Ringgold Area Youth Soccer Association, and supported by volunteers from South Hills communities. Every player has a "Soccer Buddy" to assist him or her on the field. These buddies are the driving force in TOPSoccer – they help teach the players the game, provide encouragement, and have fun! The TOPSoccer program has been a win-win experience for players and buddies alike! 

RAYSA TOPSoccer has two seasons: spring and fall, corresponding with our traditional youth soccer seasons.  The program is open to special needs children, ages 4 to 12. TOPSoccer sessions are typically one hour long once a week, beginning with warm-up activities and drills, and concluding with a brief scrimmage/game. 

TOPSoccer sessions day of week and time are determined by the RAYSA TOPSoccer Director each season. TOPSoccer sessions will be located at one of the RAYSA youth soccer fields.

Please contact RAYSA Support at [email protected] with any questions.


RAYSA TOPSOCCER REGISTRATION INFORMATION 

$35 REGISTRATION COST INCLUDES: TOPSoccer t-shirt
Welcomed but not required (optional) - shinguards and cleats
RAYSA will provide every player with a soccer ball to borrow during sessions

Buddies and Coaches are FREE, thank you for volunteering!
TOPSoccer training and t-shirts provided

Volunteers are ALWAYS needed! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Do you like working with people and are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? TOPSoccer would love your help! We are run by volunteers, and we appreciate whatever help you can offer as a TOPSoccer coach or Buddy.

TOPSoccer player registration is available generally following the same deadlines as our regular RAYSA In-House registration dates. Generally Spring registration is open January and February, and Fall registration is open June and July.  See our main website pages for current and future registration information, and then create or update a profile in the RAYSA website registration system to sign-up as a player or volunteer. 

Eligibility Information
(1) Player: any gender and ages 4 to 12
(2) Buddy volunteer: age 14 and older, clearances required for adult volunteers ages 18+. We prefer that our buddies are at least high school age, but exceptions can be made. Volunteers can earn community service credit hours and a letter of recommendation.
(3) Coach volunteer: adults ages 18+ preferred, clearances required for adult volunteers ages 18+

***RAYSA TOPSoccer families ARE NOT REQUIRED to participate in mandatory fundraising, nor provide parent volunteer hours and the accompanying ghost check otherwise needed from the other RAYSA In-House and Travel level program families.

***RAYSA TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach volunteers, ages 18+ are only required to provide the PA state Criminal Background and PA state Child Abuse clearances in our registration system.  There is no cost for either of these clearances required, they are FREE. See the Coaches Corner of the RAYSA league website for information on obtaining volunteer clearances.