Schaumburg Athletic Association TOPSoccer hosts yearly adaptive soccer event
Soccer is often considered "the beautiful game." Some may think that the game's intricacies, its structure, or its sheer power are the reason the game is renowned worldwide, but at TOPSoccer, the game's beauty is a product of its ability to bring people together and spread joy to everyone.
This is exactly what happened on an overcast July 8 morning, when about 175 participants, family members, and volunteers spent their morning at Illinois Youth Soccer's annual TOPSoccer Summerfest, hosted by Schaumburg Athletic Association's TOPSoccer at Conant High School.
TOPSoccer is a noncompetitive soccer program that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment. This is accomplished by partnering each player with a volunteer "Buddy," who is tasked with adapting all activities to each players individual strengths, abilities and motivations.
One player, Simi, said, "I like to play soccer and all the fun games with my nice Buddies."
For players like Simi, TOPSoccer is a healthy way to build meaningful relationships that are the heart of the program, all while being active and having fun!
The event included an obstacle course, a bouncy slide, a soccer scrimmage, a bubble station, a water area, numerous activities, and soccer specific communication boards. There were special appearances from Minds with Motion, who brought rhythm and art to the event, and officers from Hoffman Estates Fire and Police departments.
One player, Aragon, said that Summerfest was "a lot of fun. My favorite part was the slide." he mentioned.
When asked his favorite part of the event, another player, Nathan, mentioned that he liked "walking with my Buddy," speaking to the fact that not all meaningful interactions in the program are related to soccer.
"You can see the deep connection and mutual appreciation that the players and Buddies have for one another, whether they are playing soccer, blowing bubbles, or just sitting together enjoying each other's company,"wrote Coach Val Jakobi, an organizer of the event.
However, players are not the only ones who are impacted by the program.
"As a family with a child with sensory needs, it feels good to do something together [as a family]," said Sara, a TOPSoccer mom. "I'm really proud of [my son] for trying new things in a safe environment where he is accepted and celebrated."
"TOPSoccer is fun and rewarding," Dani, a Buddy, stated. "I can help the community while also playing soccer. I enjoy meeting new kids and playing with them, because they always put a smile on my face."
TOPSoccer programs are always looking for new participants and Buddies. If you would like to register or volunteer for Schaumburg's TOPSoccer program, visit www.saa-topsoccer.com.
If you would like to find a TOPSoccer program nearer to you, visit http://illinoisyouthsoccer.org/topsoccer/topsoccer-programs.
"It's great, [my son] really likes it," says Diana, Aragon's mother. "They really cater to what he needs."
From the perspective of a Buddy, TOPSoccer is "a wonderful and fun experience," according to Mia. "Come out to a practice and see for yourself! It's exciting to meet the kids, get to know them and play fun games with them. I bet you'll come back to volunteer again."