ICYMI: TOPSoccer Melrose: Middle, High School Volunteers Needed

Editor's Note: This post was written earlier this week, but here it is again in case you missed it. 

Video via USA Youth Soccer

MELROSE, MA—The TOPSoccer program is entering its second season in Melrose, and volunteers are hard at work providing an athletic outlet for children with physical and congitive challenges.

According to program volunteer Bob Lynch-Galvin, ten players participated in the fall season of the program, which he stated was a great start. The program relies strictly on volunteers, but Lynch-Galvin says that Middle and High School volunteers are absolutely critical to the program's success.

"I'd say that this is far less about the adults on the field and everything about the connection between the players and our youth volunteers," Lynch-Galvin wrote to Patch."That's where the connections are made and the real coaching happens."

TOPSoccer, an offshoot of USA Youth Soccer, is geared towards player development rather than competition. Lynch-Galvin says that middle and high school players are more responsible for player development, and that the program hopes to have two to three "buddies" for every player.

"We had that (and more) in the Fall and it was perfect," Lynch-Galvin wrote."But, I have to admit, with HS Soccer out of season in the Spring, I've had a few sleepless nights wondering if we're going to get the volunteers we need."

According to a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children with disabilities are more likely to have have lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower levels of muscular endurance, and higher rates of obesity than children without disabilities. The report also indicates that sports participation enhances the psychological well-being of children with disabilities "through the provision of opportunities to form friendships, express creativity, develop a self-identity, and foster meaning and purpose in life."

Currently, the program has a "core team" of six Melrose High School and Malden Catholic seniors who plan the season, and the program relies on them to recruit volunteers. Three adult volunteers provide logistical support, and the program is largely run by the student volunteers.

"That's where the connections are made and the real coaching happens," Lynch-Galvin wrote."That's why having a solid group of committed High School and Middle School volunteers is SO critical to the program. Really, the adults on the field are just there for logistical support."

There will be a volunteer training session Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Franklin Field, and those interested in volunteering can register by clicking here. You can also contact Lynch-Galvin (bob.lg65@gmail.com) or Christine Thorsteinsson (Christine.thorsteinsson@comcast.net) for further information.