Week 36 of #52weeksofgiving - TOPSoccer - Stratham, NH
We are thrilled to sponsor a new TOPSoccer program in Stratham, NH—so of course, we had to feature them for week 36 of our #52weeksofgiving campaign! TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is an adaptive soccer program for young athletes with disabilities.
We were introduced to the organization last year by our Florida-based friend, Tim Frost. Then in January of this year, we volunteered at a TOPSoccer weekend in Boca Raton. Michelle and Beau were instantly hooked and wanted to start a program in the NH Seacoast area! We believe all kids interested in soccer should have the opportunity to play.
LeMay Family Goodworks is partnering with another TOPSoccer volunteer, Taylar Schoff, to help sponsor and launch the Stratham league. The fall 2022 season begins on September 11th and runs through October 30th, and we are still looking for volunteers (no soccer skills needed)!
Read on to learn more about TOPSoccer and how you can help these wonderful kids have a memorable season.
About TOPSoccer
Created by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer is a community-based sports program for young athletes with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. The adaptive soccer program was established “to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement, which is to foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.”
TOPSoccer offers a safe environment where kids can build their self-esteem, confidence, and social skills through:
Game modifications so each child can participate and have fun.
One-on-one assistance from a “Buddy,” a volunteer who is typically a little older and neurotypical and works with their assigned player to ensure a great experience.
A recreational, casual approach to the sport for young people with special needs.
TOPSoccer welcomes players between the ages of 4 and 19 who have a disability that limits their ability to perform at the level of play in which they’ve chosen to participate. There are programs nationwide, and families interested in signing up their young athletes can learn more by visiting their US Youth Soccer State Association here.
If you’re a resident of the NH Seacoast area and would like to sign up your child for the Stratham fall season, please contact Taylar Schoff at schofftaylar@gmail.com!
Volunteer with TOPSoccer Stratham
As we launch the new Stratham, NH, TOPSoccer league, we need local volunteers to be “buddies” for our players! As a buddy, you’ll be assigned a young athlete and serve as their biggest fan and best friend throughout practices and games. Once again, no previous soccer experience is required! Just a supportive, team player’s spirit.
Volunteers are needed on Thursday nights from 5 to 6 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 12 to 2 p.m. We meet at 100 Domain Drive, Stratham, NH 03885. All volunteers must complete a 90-minute SafeSport training and submit to a background check.
While new volunteer experiences can be awkward and outside of your comfort zone, they can also open up your world! Please consider spending time with these incredible kids in their world by joining them on the field, laughing with them, cheering them on, and watching them grow! You won’t regret it—in fact, you’ll be smiling the entire time and well after every practice and game day.
If you are ready to help these young athletes right in your own community and experience a new form of giving back, please text, call, or email Taylar Schoff at schofftaylar@gmail.com or 603-978-7970. She will be happy to share more details about volunteering with TOPSoccer Stratham.
And remember to follow New Hampshire Soccer Association on Facebook or visit their TOPSoccer site here to keep up with their latest efforts!