TOPSoccer (Fall Only Program)
IMPORTANT NOTE for Fall 2022: MSI partners with Special Olympics in the presentation of TOPSoccer programs. At this time, Special Olympics is working to determine exactly what their programs will be for the fall season, and we ask that you check back during August for updated information. If you have a specific question about participation as a player or volunteer, please contact Pam Yerg at jeyclan@verizon.net.
Our TOPSoccer program is designed for athletes ages 3-21 with differing intellectual and physical abilities, such as developmental disabilities, severe learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and impaired vision and hearing. We place an emphasis on development, training, and participation, rather than on competition all while adapting play and coaching to meet the unique needs of each player.
Soccer is a universal, simple, and therefore highly adaptive sport. Coaches and volunteers strive to build the confidence and positive energy necessary to generate enjoyment of the soccer and team experiences as well as a continuing mastery of basic soccer skills. This program provides a great opportunity for children with special needs to learn new skills, build physical fitness and self-esteem, and have fun playing soccer. The TOPSoccer program is a fall program and is administered by qualified instructors and specially-trained volunteer soccer buddies.
TOPS Players Register Here!
TOPS Coaches Register Here!
The TOPSoccer Leagues are:
YAPsters (Young Athletes Program) – Day, Time, and Location TBD. The YAPsters is designed for kids ages 3-4-5. This skills program will be run alongside the Elementary League and will focus on very basic soccer skills and the concept of following sports directions.
Middle School League – Day, Time, and Location TBD. Designed for kids in 5th-9th grades, this program offers practice and game play with Unified Partners from MSI Classic and Rec teams. Two MSI teams and their coaches will train with our TOPS players and play 7v7 games in preparation for play in the end-of-year tournament at a location TBA. We will invite teams from MD and VA to join us on a festival day of round robin play. If enough kids sign up from a given school, we can create a “school team” within the Middle School League and hope to offer a mid-week practice for additional skill development.
High School Unified League – Day, Time, and Location TBD. Designed for kids in grades 9-12, this program offers some skill practice, but mostly game play with high school-age volunteer Unified Partners from our community. There are two levels of play, and everyone has a blast!
Volunteer with TOPSoccer
MSI’s TOPSoccer program is designed for athletes ages 3-21 with differing intellectual and physical abilities. We place an emphasis on development, training, and participation, rather than on competition all while adapting play and coaching to meet the unique needs of each player. Each year, the programs benefit tremendously from the involvement of several MSI coaches, players, and volunteers.
Volunteers needed are:
- Youth volunteers aged 12 or older to help with the elementary and middle school programs. This is an approved SSL program.
- High school and college aged volunteers to help with the high school program
- Adult volunteers and MSI coaches are invited to share their experience volunteering in any of the three programs.
If you or your team would like to volunteer, please contact Pam Yerg at jeyclan@verizon.net or 301.424.3083.
