Soccer is the world’s game — a universal language of movement, joy, teamwork, and passion. But for far too long, the opportunity to participate fully in that language has been limited for children with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. U.S. Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) aims to change that. It’s more than just a program — it’s a culture shift. And if we truly believe in the power of soccer to build character, connect people, and change lives, then every club should have a TOPSoccer program. Not as a checkbox or charity effort, but as a fundamental part of who we are.
Here in Oregon, we at OYSA (Oregon Youth Soccer Association) are committed to making TOPSoccer accessible and sustainable for every club in our state. Through partnerships with Capelli Sport and other vendors, we can provide equipment and eliminate program fees — all we ask is for clubs to say yes. But that “yes” is about more than logistics. It’s a commitment to inclusion, to growth, and to reshaping club culture in powerful and lasting ways.
What is TOPSoccer?
TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by local soccer clubs and volunteers. It is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any child, regardless of ability. Programs are highly adaptable and focus on ability over limitation. It offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every player is valued, and every participant — players, buddies, and coaches alike — leaves changed for the better.
Why It Matters for Players with Disabilities
At its core, TOPSoccer is about access — to the field, to the team, and to the joy of the game. For many kids with disabilities, sports are often out of reach due to lack of appropriate programming, trained staff, or community buy-in. This can lead to isolation and a lack of the social and physical development opportunities that team sports naturally provide.
TOPSoccer gives these athletes a place to belong. It creates space where players are not defined by what they cannot do, but by how much they can grow. It develops confidence, motor skills, friendships, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Parents often share how their child’s self-esteem and social engagement flourish through the program.
For families, it means something even more profound — a chance to see their child fully included and celebrated in a sport they love.
The Power of Inclusion for the Entire Club
While the direct benefits for children with disabilities are profound, the impact on the rest of the club is equally transformative. TOPSoccer introduces a level of empathy, awareness, and emotional intelligence that most traditional soccer programs struggle to cultivate.
When able-bodied and neurotypical players serve as “buddies” — on-field mentors and partners for TOPSoccer athletes — they gain more than volunteer hours. They experience the beauty of adaptive play, learn to lead with compassion, and develop communication and problem-solving skills that no tactical drill can replicate. They begin to see ability in a new light. Many buddies describe their time in TOPSoccer as the most rewarding part of their soccer journey.
Coaches, too, evolve. Leading a TOPSoccer session demands patience, creativity, and a broader definition of success. It re-centers the game around fun, progress, and connection — lessons that translate into better coaching across all age groups and levels.
And for clubs, it’s a culture-defining program. A club that invests in TOPSoccer sends a message: We are for everyone. That message resonates far beyond the field — it builds community loyalty, attracts families who value inclusion, and positions the club as a leader in character development and service.
“But It Takes Work”
Yes — and that’s what makes it worth doing.
Implementing a TOPSoccer program requires effort, coordination, and training. But clubs won’t be doing it alone. OYSA is ready to walk beside every club willing to take the leap. We will cover registration fees. We will supply uniforms and equipment through our partnership with Capelli and others. We will offer coaching education and guidance. We’ll even help with volunteer recruitment strategies.
What we can’t do is make the decision for you. The will has to come from within your club — from leadership that understands the long-term value, from coaches willing to step up, and from a membership that embraces the idea that soccer is better when it includes everyone.
Once a club commits, the barriers fall away. Many clubs begin with a 6-week session, once a week, using fields and time slots they already control. From there, the program grows organically. The demand is there — across our state, parents are waiting for someone to say yes.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
In clubs that have already embraced TOPSoccer, the impact is undeniable. One Oregon club reported that after launching their first season, their high school players not only gained a deeper appreciation for the game but also began mentoring younger teams more effectively. The TOPSoccer players themselves returned week after week with enthusiasm and smiles — some for the first time in their lives feeling like “real soccer players.”
Another club saw its volunteer list grow as word spread, with siblings, classmates, and even coaches from other sports wanting to get involved. A simple decision to include turned into a movement — one that strengthened the entire club.
How to Get Started
Launching a TOPSoccer program doesn’t require a full infrastructure overhaul. It starts with a conversation. Contact OYSA and we’ll guide you step-by-step, from planning your first session to celebrating your first goal. We’ll help connect you with experienced clubs and offer toolkits, templates, and promotional materials. We’ll train your coaches and support your volunteers. We’ll make sure cost is never a reason to say no.
The only thing we can’t provide locally is the passion — but chances are, your club already has that. All you need to do is channel it in a new direction.
The Future We Can Build Together
Imagine an Oregon where every club — from the coast to the high desert — offers a place for every kid to play. Where young athletes of all abilities are seen, heard, and celebrated. Where the values we talk about in mission statements — inclusion, teamwork, integrity — are lived out every week on the field.
That future is within reach, and it starts with a simple decision: to open the doors a little wider, to make room at the table, and to let the game we all love work its magic on every kind of player.
Let’s not wait for someone else to lead. Let’s be the generation of clubs that make inclusion a standard, not a special project. Let’s make TOPSoccer part of our identity — not as an extra, but as a core program that represents the best of who we are.
At OYSA, we’re ready when you are. Let’s build this together.
