TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any player who has a mental or physical disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the North Carolina Soccer family.

TOPSoccer is designed to reach and meet the needs of players ages 5 to 21 with physical and/or mental disabilities. The program caters to player development rather than competition. TOPSoccer takes these children off the sidelines and allows them to participate in the game of soccer.

Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?

TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.” There are thousands of children with disabilities who need and can be provided with the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.

TOPSoccer athletes will develop a sense of belonging and will learn the value of being part of a team; improve their self-esteem, fitness and social skills; and most importantly, have FUN!

For more information on how to start a TOPSoccer program at your association, please email Jamie McLeod.