Fall session runs September 10th - October 29th, 2023, Sunday afternoons. See link to register further down on page.
Snohomish Youth Soccer Club is proud to have the longest running
and largest TOPSoccer program in Washington State.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children age 4+ and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
Benefits for Participants
SOCIAL SKILLS - Players interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors. TEAMWORK - Players learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games. PERSEVERANCE - Players might encounter difficulties with activities, but they will be encouraged to keep trying and overcome challenges. CONFIDENCE - Players will achieve success on the field that carries over to their lives off the field in so many ways! Groupings: Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities. |
Buddies: Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
Coaches: TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
Coaches: TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
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Ability Doesn't MatterWe have between 50 and 75 players active during any season, coming from throughout Snohomish County. Our players have widely ranging abilities and challenges - from general delays, physical limitations, autism spectrum disorders, hearing or vision limitations and sensory dysfunction. For many, this may be their first experience with a team sport. Our program is successful due to the wonderful players who participate, parental support and also because of the large group of amazing volunteers who provide 1:1 assistance, help with drills/practices and support our coaches throughout the practice sessions. While many can play independently, particularly our youngest players require individual instruction and attention during the challenge of this fast-paced game. Volunteers/mentors come from our local community - high schools, middle schools and even older elementary youth as well as adults who also enjoy the game! All coaches and administrative support people are volunteers as well.
Washington Youth Soccer provides player insurance coverage and Snohomish Youth Soccer supports the program with an annual stipend for equipment and other needs, We have had volunteers raise funds for equipment, including portable goals! Our players do pay a fee to partially cover the cost of jerseys, field rentals, the end of the spring season party and other incidentals. We are able to keep this fee low and also provide scholarships for any player/family in need. Soccer is truly a game for all - and Snohomish Youth Soccer has supported SnoTOPS since 2000. Come join us!!!
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Snohomish TOPSoccer has two seasons a year - our main; an outdoor season in the spring, from April through mid-June and a shorter indoor season in September and October. We play on local fields in Snohomish at Snohomish High School/Glacier Peak High School stadiums, Stocker Fields and also at the Snohomish Soccer Dome.
Volunteers Needed!
We can't run this program without volunteers. Students can earn community service hours for each session you work. No previous soccer experience is required but it is helpful. See the volunteer tab for more information!