TOPSoccer – The Outreach Program for Soccer – is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. It is organized by state youth soccer association volunteers. The TOPS program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with a mental or physical disability.

TOPSoccer was formed to support the United States Youth Soccer Association mission statement as it is applied to disabled young athletes. In part, that mission statement dictates that we all work “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.”

Here in Massachusetts, we are committed to providing the necessary resources to make TOPS successful in every way. Each program is different and its development is structured to the specific participants. Modifications are made to the game and training environment to allow full participation and enjoyment to each child that participates. 

Mass Youth Soccer encourages all of its organizations to utilize the resources of Mass Youth Soccer to help structure a TOPS program in their area, and it encourages parents of disabled children to contact John Burrill, Executive Director of Mass Youth Soccer at  800-852-8111 x 237.

 KICK HERE for TOPSoccer resources from US Youth Soccer!!!

Getting Started:

Getting started is not as difficult as you may think. Here are some proven hints to make it easier for you and your organization to establish a TOPS program in your area.

1. Identify the need in your area. 

a. For what type of disabilities do you need to plan? 
b. Are you able to fulfill these needs? 

2. Check for any restrictions placed on the facility (ies) you plan to use. 

a. Are they equipped to handle athletes with physical disabilities? 

3. Check with your soccer insurance carrier.
4. Contact established programs for information. 

a. US YOUTH SOCCER 
b. Special Olympics 
c. United Cerebral Palsy 
d. Shriners 

5. Contact your local school districts and universities. 
6. Create a list of people who are able to assist you. 
7. Plan your advertisements. 
8. Get the support of  Mass Youth Soccer's and Regional-TOPSoccer Representatives, and use them as resources.

Creating Your Program:

1. The unique thing about TOPSoccer is that each program is different and is created around the needs of the participants. Additionally, TOPSoccer athletes are placed on teams according to ability, not age.
2. Length of program is determined by organizer (6-8 weeks) 
3. Playing rules. 

a. Create rules to fit specific needs. 
b. Use the US YOUTH SOCCER Under 6, Under 8 or Under 10 guidelines 

4. TOPSoccer programs can have very modest beginnings. 
5. For those athletes not able to participate due to medical reasons, design a skills program that is rewarding, challenging and fun. 
6. Variety of choices. 

a. Small-sided games (3 v 3, 4 v 4, 8 v 8, etc.) 
b. Full-sided games (11v11) 
c. Unified teams (ratio of challenged athletes to non-challenged athletes) 
d. Indoor programs 
e. Outdoor program 
f. Camps 
g. Skills only 

7. Above all... keep it simple... KEEP IT FUN! 

Placement and Registration of Athletes:

1. Registration procedures should be the same as those used for regular league teams. 
a. Registration form should include a section for medical history. 
b. Athletes with Down-syndrome should be required to have a current x-ray. If the x-ray is positive for their safety, it should be strongly recommended that they do not take part in team play. 
c. In some cases medical waivers may be required. 

2. Placement is made by ability not age.
3. Assessment test should be made available upon request.
4. Ensure that the experience is meaningful for the participating athletes, and one in which they feel they have made a contribution.

Recruiting Coaches

Contact local universities, schools and soccer clubs for volunteers. The State Coach or Director of Coaching for the state association is also a good source for coaches. No special training is required, however it is available through Mass Youth Soccer.

Helpful Hints

1. Use color coded goals or nets (e.g., red goals/yellow nets). 
2. Have scrimmage vests available. 
3. Have a ball for each athlete. 
4. HAVE FUN! 

Communities currently involved:

for additional information or if you would like to start a TOPS program please contact specialprograms@mayouthsoccer.org