Lehigh Valley TOPSoccer Club Chittur B. Ananthan May 12, 2008

05/12/2008C.B.Ananthan2 What is TOPSoccer ? TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community- based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & 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." TOPSoccer is designed and administered by US Youth Soccer Emphasis of TOPSoccer is on development, training and meaningful participation rather than on competition

05/12/2008C.B.Ananthan3 Reason for starting I started this program because my son could not participate in a ‘typical’ soccer program. Fills a dire need in the community – It is estimated that there are about 250 to 300 children in the Lehigh Valley in the autism spectrum alone ! The only dedicated TOPSoccer program in the Lehigh Valley For TOP Soccer to be successful, it has to be the core program of a club and not just an appendix to a large typical soccer club with enrolment exceeding hundreds of players Initially catering to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy Open to all children in the Lehigh Valley with disorders mentioned above

05/12/2008C.B.Ananthan4 Elements of a successful program PARENT INVOLVEMENT Community support – monetary and non-monetary Volunteers willing to work with children with special needs ‘Buddy’ system: some players paired with a buddy Placement of players primarily by ability, not age Emphasize ability, not disability Involve players and provide meaningful experience Dependability of coaches Fun! Fun! Fun!

05/12/2008C.B.Ananthan5 TOPSoccer coaches Commitment Oodles of patience, empathy Communicate well with parents of the players Do not feel sorry or pity for the children Lots of energy Line up volunteers Underplay or, better still, omit competition and winning Simple drills Some players may ‘graduate’ to typical soccer programs

05/12/2008C.B.Ananthan6 Current status The Lehigh County Sports Fields Association (LCSFA) allows LVTOPS to use their fields in S.Whitehall at no cost Besides myself, LVTOPS has 4 other coaches helping the players enjoy the game of soccer LVTOPS includes players from as far as Bath, Nazareth & Easton All the major school districts are aware of LVTOPS program and inform families of students with special needs about the availability of TOPSoccer for their children Agencies and service providers such as the CLIU, Good Shepherd, Kidspeace, etc. are also aware of LVTOPS and promote it among their clientele LVTOPS has an excellent standing in the community