TOPSoccer

For more information on the TOPSoccer program, go to www.USYouthSoccer.org/programs/TOPSoccer.asp

Parents Guide
TOPSoccer Grant Application

The TOPSoccer program has the same core elements as standard soccer, including the spirit of team sports and strenuous physical activity. But it can also be modified to accommodate the special needs of the players. Participants are placed on teams based on their needs and abilities, not age. The emphasis is on developing positive self-concepts and having fun, rather than on winning or losing.

I honor certain "Buddies" when they put some valuable time into the program. These are all special individuals who unselfishly devote their time and energy towards these players with "special needs".
The way I honor these wonderful volunteers is by giving them a special TOPSoccer pin. They all wear this pin proudly as they help promote the fantastic program AYSA has started.

Our goal is to have this list reach into the hundreds, with the names of people volunteering their time and love. The TOPSoccer program appreciates everyone of them.

The following individuals are the proud recipients of the TOPSoccer Buddy Pin:

Jill Oliver (Jill, along with her husband and daughter (below), were the 1st to receive the pins. Since they started their program 7 years ago, I thought this was a nice tribute for their hard work and I wanted them to be the 1st to wear them).
Tom Oliver
Megan Oliver
David Cruz (Arizona TOPSoccer Chairman/Director)
Sophia Horn (Arizona TOPSoccer Asst. Director)
Grace Erispaha
Hannah Ogren
Kirsten Corral
Ernie Corral

Paige Ashton

Taylor Ashton

Alexis Miller

Rachel Wilson

Reagan Robber
Caroline Stosz
Cassandra Damyanovich
Kristin Carr
Maya Salas
Samantha DeMarco
Maryn Behling

Marty Torres (TOPSoccer Chairperson in Washington)

Sandy Castillo (TOPSoccer Chairperson in CalSouth)

Ray Welch (Region IV TOPSoccer Chairperson)

Lindsay Tarpley www.lindsaytarpley.com and Leslie Osborne www.osbornesoccer.com (US Womens National Team) came out to help promote the
TOPSoccer program the AYSA has introduced to the valley. They are both going to be the official spokespersons of the TOPSoccer Program

The Sunshine League will hold a TOPSoccer session every Sunday at 1:30pm-2:30pm at
Arizona Sports Complex 3555 W. Pinnacle Peak Road in Glendale.

These sessions will go until August 24th. Then they will break for the Labor Day Weekend.
Afterwards, they may have a new schedule.

To find out more information or to join,

Please contact: Jill Oliver at 623-561-2787 or email for more information:azsunshineleague@yahoo.com

Thank you for Gold Canyon's continuing corporate support of our programs.

Billye Jill Paulson, Tribune

EVERYBODY PLAYS

The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer) is a program designed to give opportunities for children to play the sport regardless of a disability or any type of challenges.

“There are too many times that they get turned away just because of a condition they are diagnosed with,” said David Cruz, vice president of recreation for the Arizona Youth Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is already under way in California, with about 300 players, but is still in its infancy in Arizona.

Jill and Tom Oliver run a program at the Arizona Sports Complex (3555 W. Pinnacle Peak Road in Glendale) with matches almost every Sunday at 1 p.m. And Lindsay Tarpley and Leslie Osborne from the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team have agreed to be the official spokespersons of the local program.

Now Cruz, a certified TOPSoccer coach, will be running “playday” practice sessions with the help of his “buddies” to introduce the program to other parts of the valley.

“Many of these buddies will be club soccer players or club coaches that are current members of the AYSA,” said Cruz. “These playdays will be an opportunity to show the parents of these players what type of program we will be running. It will also give us a chance to see what abilities these players have so we can properly place them in a setting that will help them learn the game and have fun.”

The program is open to all who have a disability or challenge (physical, mental, etc.), or any special needs player and there is no age limit. Best of all, the playdays are free of charge.Playdays in the East Valley are scheduled for 2 p.m. May 10 at Big League Dreams in Gilbert and 7:30 p.m. May 21 at Shepherd Junior High School in Mesa.

For more information, visit www.azyouthsoccer.org or call Cruz at (480) 396-8607.

Interested in starting a TOPSoccer program in your area? please David Cruz ydp@cox.net

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