About
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a recreational soccer program where participants take part in soccer activities and games, including small-sided games such as 3 v 3, 4 v 4, and 8 v 8, as well as full-sided 11v11 games. Programs can include unified teams with a mix of challenged and non-challenged athletes, indoor and outdoor programs, camps, and skills-only options, including a skills program that is described as rewarding, challenging, and fun.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Program length is determined by the organizer, typically running 6–8 weeks
• Price: Costs vary depending upon registration fees and insurance fees, and uniform and equipment costs; cost should be kept low and affordable to all possible participants
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities that is offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained “Buddy,” who is typically a little older and neurotypical, and this Buddy works with the player individually to keep them safe, engaged, supported, and having fun throughout the course of a season. Players are grouped and placed by ability rather than age, and every child in US Youth Soccer recreational and small-sided game programs is guaranteed playing time, with the game taught in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal US Youth Soccer (USYS) education and certification training, which includes coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, identifies traits of common disabilities, and gives guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities. Program equipment guidelines include using color-coded goals or nets such as red goals with yellow nets, having scrimmage vests available, and providing a ball for each athlete.
US Youth Soccer began in 1974 with just more than 100,000 registered players and is described as the largest youth sport organization in the country and the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually, has 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues, and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers, and is a member of US Soccer, which is a member of FIFA. The US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program was formed to continue the US Youth Soccer mission to foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through soccer, and follows the broader USYS mission to provide support, resources, and leadership for members on and off the field of play.
The TOPSoccer Committee leadership includes Dave Robinson as Chair, Bill Ross for the East Region, Roni Andrew for the Midwest Region, Fil Wilkinson for the South Region, and Michael Posen for the West Region, along with Adam Kenes as Coaching & Technical Director, Shannon Hartinger for Marketing & Communications, Mallorie LaForge and Meghan Ward as At-Large Members, Louis Mateus and David Kawesi-Mukooza as BOD Liaisons, and Chris Bentley as Staff Liaison. Community and support connections mentioned for TOPSoccer include philanthropic entities such as the Shriners, and potential supporters such as Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and local companies or corporations for cash or in-kind donations, as well as suggested contacts like Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, local school districts and universities, and State Associations and Regional TOPSoccer Representatives.
Last updated February 11, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Program length is determined by the organizer, typically running 6–8 weeks
• Price: Costs vary depending upon registration fees and insurance fees, and uniform and equipment costs; cost should be kept low and affordable to all possible participants
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities that is offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained “Buddy,” who is typically a little older and neurotypical, and this Buddy works with the player individually to keep them safe, engaged, supported, and having fun throughout the course of a season. Players are grouped and placed by ability rather than age, and every child in US Youth Soccer recreational and small-sided game programs is guaranteed playing time, with the game taught in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal US Youth Soccer (USYS) education and certification training, which includes coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, identifies traits of common disabilities, and gives guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities. Program equipment guidelines include using color-coded goals or nets such as red goals with yellow nets, having scrimmage vests available, and providing a ball for each athlete.
US Youth Soccer began in 1974 with just more than 100,000 registered players and is described as the largest youth sport organization in the country and the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually, has 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues, and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers, and is a member of US Soccer, which is a member of FIFA. The US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program was formed to continue the US Youth Soccer mission to foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through soccer, and follows the broader USYS mission to provide support, resources, and leadership for members on and off the field of play.
The TOPSoccer Committee leadership includes Dave Robinson as Chair, Bill Ross for the East Region, Roni Andrew for the Midwest Region, Fil Wilkinson for the South Region, and Michael Posen for the West Region, along with Adam Kenes as Coaching & Technical Director, Shannon Hartinger for Marketing & Communications, Mallorie LaForge and Meghan Ward as At-Large Members, Louis Mateus and David Kawesi-Mukooza as BOD Liaisons, and Chris Bentley as Staff Liaison. Community and support connections mentioned for TOPSoccer include philanthropic entities such as the Shriners, and potential supporters such as Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and local companies or corporations for cash or in-kind donations, as well as suggested contacts like Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, local school districts and universities, and State Associations and Regional TOPSoccer Representatives.
Last updated February 11, 2026.
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