The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club are joining forces this November to host a pair of TOPSoccer Jamborees on the University of Rochester campus. These free, community-based events invite young athletes with disabilities to experience the fun and camaraderie of soccer in an inclusive, encouraging environment led by student-athletes, volunteers and trained instructors.
Event Details: Soccer, Smiles and Inclusion
- Jamboree I: Sunday, November 16, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Jamboree II: Sunday, November 23, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Location: The Fieldhouse at Goergen Athletic Center (University of Rochester)
Both jamborees are free of charge, and participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions. To ensure a fun, organized experience, pre-registration is required to ensure proper staffing and event preparation.
Fostering Connection Through Sport
The University of Rochester Special Olympics Club brings together university students and athletes in the Greater Rochester Area with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The club’s mission is to create a competitive yet supportive atmosphere, one where inclusion, awareness and friendship take center stage both on and off the field.
“We are excited to partner with US Youth Soccer and New York State West Youth Soccer Association to bring TOPSoccer to the University of Rochester campus. Our Special Olympics Club continues to look for new opportunities to connect with our community in meaningful ways, and TOPSoccer is a natural extension to our Special Olympics movement,” said Katherine Westerheim of the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club. “Our student athletes take great pride in being role models in our community and being proactive contributors who enjoy spending time sharing their experiences with young people. We can’t wait to host these fun Jamborees and welcome everyone to campus!”
This partnership reflects a shared belief between NYSWYSA and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club that sport can build bridges and open doors. Together, both organizations are helping to ensure every athlete, regardless of ability, has a place to play, grow and belong.
About TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.
The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.
“We are excited to continue our tradition of bringing TOPSoccer programming to the Rochester area through this exciting new collaboration with the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “The University of Rochester student volunteers bring an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious and uplifting to all who participate in the Jamborees. Together, we truly embrace the opportunity to provide enjoyment, confidence-building and friendship through tailored sporting activities. Growth through participation in sport is universal. Come join us for a couple of inspirational days of soccer!”
Looking Ahead
These jamborees mark the start of an exciting collaboration between NYSWYSA and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club. The two organizations plan to use these sessions to gauge community interest and lay the groundwork for a potential multi-week program launching in 2026, expanding access to inclusive soccer opportunities across the Rochester region. To learn more about the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club, we encourage you to visit them online.
Everyone deserves the chance to play. Join us this November and be part of something truly special!
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