Soccer is a sport for everyone, and New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is teaming up with the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club to make sure every young athlete in the region has a place to experience it. This spring, TOPSoccer opens on the University of Rochester campus with seven inclusive sessions starting on March 21st, and registration is open now.
“Come join the fun and excitement of the inaugural University of Rochester TOPSoccer Program,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “NYSWYSA, in collaboration with the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club, is excited to bring inclusive soccer to the University of Rochester campus. Katherine Westerheim leads a dynamic group of student-athlete volunteers who bring energy and enthusiasm to each of the seven sessions included in this spring semester program. You will find community, companionship, camaraderie, confidence building. And oh yeah, did I mention a whole lot of inspirational soccer going on in the Goergen Athletic Center’s Palestra Gym!”
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer specifically to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, supportive, and inclusive setting. Modified training sessions and gameplay meet participants where they are, regardless of ability, with a focus on learning, teamwork, confidence building, and most importantly, having fun.
What began last fall with a pair of TOPSoccer Jamborees on the University of Rochester campus continues this spring as a full seven-session program. The University of Rochester Special Olympics Club, whose student-athlete volunteers brought great energy and heart to those first sessions, returns once again as the driving force behind the program, in partnership with New York State West.
Spring Schedule
All seven sessions are held at the Goergen Athletic Center (specifically at the Palestra Gym) at the University of Rochester River Campus Sports Complex, which is located at 720 Library Road in Rochester. Sessions will run 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM every Saturday:
- Saturday, March 21
- Saturday, March 28
- Saturday, April 4
- Saturday, April 11
- Saturday, April 18
- Saturday, April 25
- Saturday, May 2
Register Before the First Session
The spring sessions kicks off on March 21st, and registration is currently open. If you have a child who deserves a welcoming, inclusive space to play soccer, we encourage you to sign up today. For any questions, please contact Site Coordinator Katie Westerheim at kwesterh@u.rochester.edu.
Every athlete deserves a place to play. Come be part of University of Rochester TOPSoccer this spring!
For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!