TOP Soccer Debuts for Athletes with Challenges
Beginning early summer 2008 The Orcutt United Soccer League, in conjunction with California Youth Soccer Association-South will be bringing a new kind of sporting opportunity to the Orcutt community.
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based program that provides a chance to play for athletes who are unable to participate in traditional recreational soccer due to physical or mental requirements. Unlike other programs, TOPSoccer is open to any player with any disability including ADD, Autism, Hearing Impaired, Sight Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Seizure Disorder, etc.
Orcutt United Soccer League President Rick Velasco will be heading up this unique program. Velasco holds a National “D” Coaching license, received his TOPSoccer coaching certificate, and completed the Cal South Risk Management Program. As with most community-based programs, Velasco will be joined by many volunteers who will be working toward bringing young athletes the best program possible.
TOPSoccer has been carefully designed to meet the needs of children ages four to nineteen with physical and/or mental disabilities. The focus of the program will be on developing the skills of the players, rather than on the competitive aspects. Those who join will be placed on teams according to their personal ability.
The mission of TOPSoccer is to encourage physical, mental, and emotional growth and development through soccer.
As outlined by the national TOPSoccer program, children will develop a sense of belonging to a community as well as learn the value of being part of a team. Children will enjoy improvements in self-esteem, fitness levels, social skills, and success. And perhaps most important, they will have fun!
Parents of these athletes are not only encouraged to participate in the program with their child but in many cases it is required. TOPSoccer parents will bring their children to and from games, they will watch games and give positive support, and of course provide all necessary clothing, equipment, and information for games and practices.
As a result, parents will share a fun and meaningful experience with their child and witness them learn and grow at their own pace, not to mention all of the networking that can be done during games and practices. They will have the opportunity to discuss current issues and will enjoy the same sense of community their kids do on the field.
Being a player in TOPSoccer means having “the right to decide when to participate in soccer, the right to play in every game, the right to participate at a level that corresponds with personal ability, the right to participate in a safe and healthy environment, and the right to play as a child and enjoy participation in the sport.”
Registration costs for TOPSoccer will be minimal to ensure that most families will be able to participate. Fees will include insurance and possibly uniforms and equipment costs.
The first workshop for Orcutt TOPSoccer will be held on Sunday, May 18th at the Orcutt Junior High fields from 10am to 1pm. Registration will be taken at this time and Cal South TOPSoccer Chairperson Sandy Castillo will be the special guest.
For more information visit www.ousl.org, email rvelasco-ousl@verizon.net , or call Rick Velasco at 621-3522.
Beginning early summer 2008 The Orcutt United Soccer League, in conjunction with California Youth Soccer Association-
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-
Orcutt United Soccer League President Rick Velasco will be heading up this unique program. Velasco holds a National “D” Coaching license, received his TOPSoccer coaching certificate, and completed the Cal South Risk Management Program. As with most community-
TOPSoccer has been carefully designed to meet the needs of children ages four to nineteen with physical and/or mental disabilities. The focus of the program will be on developing the skills of the players, rather than on the competitive aspects. Those who join will be placed on teams according to their personal ability.
The mission of TOPSoccer is to encourage physical, mental, and emotional growth and development through soccer.
As outlined by the national TOPSoccer program, children will develop a sense of belonging to a community as well as learn the value of being part of a team. Children will enjoy improvements in self-
Parents of these athletes are not only encouraged to participate in the program with their child but in many cases it is required. TOPSoccer parents will bring their children to and from games, they will watch games and give positive support, and of course provide all necessary clothing, equipment, and information for games and practices.
As a result, parents will share a fun and meaningful experience with their child and witness them learn and grow at their own pace, not to mention all of the networking that can be done during games and practices. They will have the opportunity to discuss current issues and will enjoy the same sense of community their kids do on the field.
Being a player in TOPSoccer means having “the right to decide when to participate in soccer, the right to play in every game, the right to participate at a level that corresponds with personal ability, the right to participate in a safe and healthy environment, and the right to play as a child and enjoy participation in the sport.”
Registration costs for TOPSoccer will be minimal to ensure that most families will be able to participate. Fees will include insurance and possibly uniforms and equipment costs.
The first workshop for Orcutt TOPSoccer will be held on Sunday, May 18th at the Orcutt Junior High fields from 10am to 1pm. Registration will be taken at this time and Cal South TOPSoccer Chairperson Sandy Castillo will be the special guest.
For more information visit www.ousl.org, email rvelasco-
Rebecca Ross reporting