TOPSoccer: Providing opportunities for young players with disabilities

SAINT GEORGE, Utah — TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training program for all athletes with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. The inaugural season was in the Fall of 2021 – they had 17 players, which was a great start, but now they are in their Spring 2022 Season and have grown to 33 players.

The program strives to provide soccer opportunities for players to develop at their own pace in a safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement, which is, in part, “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.” There are thousands of children with disabilities who need and can be provided with the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.

The goal for the players is to teach them how to play soccer, exercise, and build friendships through being part of a team. Being part of a team builds self-esteem, friendships, and emotional well-being. The goal for the parents is to allow them to simply be parents and watch their children play soccer, as most parents are involved in their children’s therapies and learning. TOPSoccer wants them to build relationships with the other parents, which provides support and enjoyment. The goal for the “Buddies” and coaches is to be a friendly face, support partner, teach soccer to the players, and build relationships with the families. They want to support the families and players on and off the field.

The “Buddies” are the secret weapon. They assist players with learning soccer skills and help them achieve goals at practice. During games, “Buddies” direct the player when needed and cheer for the players. High-fives are essential as well, and they also provide the coaches with information about the player, such as “the player needs a break,” “the player needs a drink,” and “the player is sad or happy.” The “Buddies” and the coaches are responsible for ensuring their player touches the ball and is in the correct position to receive a pass, defend the goal, or shoot the ball.

At the end of each practice and game, Coach Ray Marrero reviews each player’s successes by name. This allows the parents to hear about their players’ successes, and each player has a chance to be highlighted. They do a team cheer at the end of each practice and game.

TOPSoccer accepts new players throughout the season, and the registration never closes. They introduce the player and get them involved immediately.

There is an “End of the Year Bowling Party” at the end of each season. They bowl, enjoy snacks, and pass out awards. During the awards, coaches share each player’s achievements, and the team celebrates all achievements.

The growth of the team is the most significant success. Before moving to St. George, Jolene Marrero and her family ran the TOPSoccer program in La Mirada, California, for 17 years with over 60 players. Over the years, they have learned how to interact with and respect each player’s abilities. TOPSoccer is their family mission, and they feel God has put this upon their hearts. They have lifelong relationships with many families through TOPSoccer in La Mirada, and they hope to have the same lifelong relationships here in St. George.

TOPSoccer would like to thank the parents for trusting them to play soccer with their children. The safety of their children is a big concern to the parents and the TOPSoccer organization. Many of the players are delicate, but they are still children. Children love to play and make friends. They respect each player’s abilities and thank the parents for taking time out of their busy schedules to bring their children out to play soccer. People always ask them why they do this, and Jolene Marrero’s answer is, “First, God blessed us with this team, and it is fun! We love spending time with their children and love seeing them grow emotionally and physically. We receive emails from past players who have grown up and are now adults saying how thankful they are for our team. They learned so much and loved being part of a team by being accepted for who they are.”

Anyone interested in the team can contact them through the SUSA Kicks website, www.susakicks.com, click on TOPSoccer, or call or text Coach Jolene at (714) 253-6312. They accept players of all ages, starting at five years old. There is no upper age limit.

Coaches: Ray Marrero, Jolene Marrero, Kenny Naegle, Natalie Graham, Cheyenne Lund, Dylan Cummiford, Christin Cummiford, Dixie Holloway

Buddies: Payton Graham, Thomas Graham, Aidyn Lund, Berkeley Cummiford, Zoey Cummiford, Jayce Lund

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