Regional Soccer Program puts Players with Disabilities on TOP

TOLLAND, CT – It's time again for players in a regional specialized soccer program designed for those with disabilities to hit the fields in Tolland.

Welcome to TOPS Soccer, short for The Outreach Program for Soccer. TOPS Soccer is sponsored by US Youth Soccer and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association and run locally through the Tolland Soccer Club. The program is designed to "foster an opportunity of learning, teamwork and enjoyment to any boy or girl, who has an intellectual or physical disability," program officials said.

"Our goal is to enable young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family and for Tolland specifically, the Tolland Soccer Club and surrounding communities," coach Jeff Gallagher said.

TOPS draws 20-to-25 young athletes each year, who work with 40-to-50 middle School- and high school-age "buddies." Players and buddies are paired on the field. The Program is open to all interested players ages 5 to 21 and is not limited to Tolland Residents.

The Tolland Soccer Club is currently taking registrations through its website (www.tollandsoccer.com).
Play this season is slated to begin on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Crandall Park in Tolland. Games usually take place from 8:45 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays and on Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The program runs until the first Saturday in November. The program cost is $65 and covers the cost of a ball and jersey as well as field costs.

Questions, can be directed to Dave Giroux, the TOPS director (girouxs@sbcglobal.net), Lisa Bowden, the TOPS buddy coordinator (lisabobbowden@comcast.net) or Jeff Gallagher, TOPS field coach (revjmg@comcast.net; jgallagher@ucctolland.org).

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Gallagher

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