Click on picture for larger view

TOPSoccer

NOTE:  In 2023, a path change by Cal North occurred for the Pumpkinfest, it will not be held in Tracy.

TOPSoccer Program Coordination

TOPSoccer Pumpkinfest

2018 PumpkinFest


























Leagues With TOPSoccer Programs

Cal North has TOPSoccer information located on their site.

The TOPSoccer program incorporates the use of soccer ‘buddies’ who work with the player on the field. These volunteers assist the player in navigating the soccer field, giving encouraging feedback and directions. The TOPSoccer program, with the assistance of the volunteer soccer ‘buddies’ are a great resource in helping physically/mentally challenged youth to enjoy themselves, and be a part of soccer activities.

2019 Pumpkinfest

TOPSoccer Program Involvement Benefits

The TOPSoccer program is individualized to meet the needs of all children. A child does not need to have any athletic abilities in order to participate and enjoy this program. This unique program gives a child with a mental or physical challenge the ability to become part of a soccer team.

Pumpkinfest   -   Indoors    -    2016

The traditional style of the TOPSoccer, Pumpkinfest, annual tournament, playing at the soccer fields, was canceled, due to bad weather.  Pumpkinfest was determined to go on with the show, providing a different form of excitement to the throngs of TOPSoccer players. A costume party was held, where many attended and had a lot of fun.

The main program site for TOPSoccer is on the US Youth Soccer website, which has further information on what the TOPSoccer program means to the players & their families, and further insight into the program.

In part, that mission statement dictates that we all work “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.”


TOPSoccer is The Outreach Program for Soccer. TOPSoccer was formed to support the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) Association mission statement as it is applied to physically/mentally challenged young athletes. In part, that mission statement dictates that we all work “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.”

TOPSoccer Players At Pumpkinfest






















Each year, up to 2022, Tracy Youth Soccer Association had held a TOPSoccer Pumpkinfest, at the end of October, inviting surrounding leagues. This event had brought players from various leagues together for a day of fun.  In 2023, Cal North elected to take a different path.


This annual event had been held with assistance from neighboring leagues and special friends, and had been enjoyed by all.






















Carolynn Rafferty is the TOPSoccer coordinator for the Tracy Youth Soccer League. Carolynn also is the District VIII TOPSoccer Committee representative, and the chairperson of the Cal North TOPSoccer Committee.

             Contact Carolynn Rafferty for any questions: tracytopsoccer@yahoo.com

Cal North has a TOPSoccer site located at the following site: here



Creating Your Own TOPSoccer Program

1. The unique thing about TOPSoccer is that each program is different and is created around the needs of the participants. Additionally, TOPSoccer athletes are placed on teams according to ability, not age.

2. Length of program is determined by organizer (6-8 weeks)

3. Playing rules.

     - Create rules to fit specific needs.
     - Use the US YOUTH SOCCER Under 6, Under 8 or Under 10 guidelines

4. TOPSoccer programs can have very modest beginnings.

5. For those athletes not able to participate due to medical reasons, design a skills program that
    is rewarding, challenging and fun.

6. Variety of choices.

     - Small-sided games (3 v 3, 4 v 4, 8 v 8, etc.)
     - Full-sided games (11v11)
     - Unified teams (ratio of challenged athletes to non-challenged athletes)
     - Indoor programs
     - Outdoor program
     - Camps
     - Skills only

7. Above all... keep it simple... KEEP IT FUN!

US Youth Soccer provides a large number of resources for those interested in the TOPSoccer program. Information is available for leagues, coaches, and parents, and may be accessed below:

 


TOPSoccer was formed to support the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) Association mission statement as it is applied to physically challenged young athletes.