New York State West Youth Soccer

TOPSoccer

NYSW TOPSoccer Partners with University of Rochester Special Olympics Club

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

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!

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.

Binghamton TOPSoccer Kicking Off Fall Season on September 7th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is excited to announce the fall season of Binghamton TOPSoccer, which will officially kick off on Sunday, September 7th. The program will run on Sundays at 11:00 AM through November 23rd, with sessions held at both the Binghamton University Turf Field and 434 Sportsplex.

“NYSWYSA is a proud supporter of Binghamton University TOPSoccer,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “In 2019, this one-of-a-kind program was organized by college students who were previously involved with TOPSoccer programs as youth players in their hometown soccer clubs. Today, this university sponsored club is directed, organized and staffed by BU students. This unique coaching staff injects energy, enthusiasm and fellowship into each session. Come experience the joy of ‘sharing the beautiful game’ through Binghamton University TOPSoccer.”

Program Details:

  • Locations: Binghamton University Turf Field (next to East Gym) and 434 Sportsplex in Vestal, New York
  • Site Coordinator: Isabella Vento (Email)
  • Registration Fee: $35
  • Registration: Click Here

Sessions Details (All Sessions from 11 AM to Noon):

  • September 7 – BU Turf Field
  • September 14 – BU Turf Field
  • September 28 – BU Turf Field
  • October 5 – BU Turf Field
  • October 12 – BU Turf Field
  • October 19 – BU Turf Field
  • October 26 – BU Turf Field
  • November 2 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 9 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 16 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 23 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)

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.

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!

Rochester TOPSoccer Kicks Off New Season on May 6th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association has officially announced the spring/summer schedule for its Rochester TOPSoccer Program, with sessions kicking off at the RNY FC Indoor Soccer Complex on Tuesday, May 6th. The program will run on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM for eight consecutive weeks, with the final training set for June 24th.

“We are excited to once again partner with RNY FC to bring TOPSoccer opportunities to the Rochester area,” said Dean Foti, Technical Director of New York State West Youth Soccer Association. “We are grateful for RNY FC’s unwavering commitment to TOPSoccer and for providing lead instructor Cameron Steer and all the TOPSoccer players in the area with a terrific home for this popular US Youth Soccer program.”

Program Details:

Sessions Details:

  • Session 1: Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 2: Tuesday, May 13 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 3: Tuesday, May 20 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 4: Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 5: Tuesday, June 3 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 6: Tuesday, June 10 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 7: Tuesday, June17 at 4:00 PM
  • Session 8: Tuesday, June 24 at 4:00 PM 

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.

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!

New York State West to Host Free TOPSoccer Jamboree on March 29th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association is looking to bring the joy of soccer to athletes of all abilities with its upcoming TOPSoccer Jamboree on Saturday, March 29th. Hosted at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Webster, New York, this event aims to provide an opportunity for athletes with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities to experience the game in a fun, inclusive and structured environment.

Event Details:

Sessions Details:

  • Session 1: 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM for Players 13 and Under
  • Session 2: 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM for Players 14 and Up

This free event is open to all interested participants, but pre-registration is required. Registering allows organizers to gather basic information, understand any unique needs of individual participants and ensure the proper number of TOPSoccer Buddies are available to provide dedicated support.

“This is a great way to introduce your child to the game of soccer, meet our staff and learn more about the TOPSoccer program in Rochester,” said Dean Foti, Technical Director of New York State West Youth Soccer Association. “Bring a friend and come join us at this fun event!”

What is 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.

A Celebration of Inclusion

The NYW TOPSoccer Jamboree is more than just a soccer event, it is a celebration of inclusion, opportunity and community. New York State West remains committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to participate and experience the excitement of soccer. Whether you are a returning player or new to the program, March 29th promises to be a day of fun, friendship and soccer for all. Interested in joining us? Register today and be part of this incredible event!

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!

NYW Youth Soccer And Lancaster-Depew SC Launch TOPSoccer Program

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) and Lancaster-Depew Soccer Club have teamed-up to launch a TOPSoccer Program in the Buffalo Area, with weekly sessions officially getting underway earlier this month.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.

“I grew up playing for the Lancaster Depew Soccer Club, and when I first brought TOPSoccer back to Buffalo, I knew Lancaster would be a great source of players and volunteers,” said Vanessa Uhteg, NYSWYSA TOPSoccer Instructor. “The launch of this program has shown me just that. The volunteers were engaged and ready to encourage our players while making them laugh and smile. At TOPSoccer, volunteers, coaches, players and parents all seem to have a similar experience: we smile and laugh the whole hour-long practice! We are excited to expand TOPSoccer to all the wonderful soccer communities in Buffalo and create wider sports and social opportunities for players with disabilities.”

Lancaster-Depew SC TOPSoccer officially kicked off its spring season on the morning of Saturday, April 13th, and the program is running for seven consecutive weeks. The opening session began with a group warmup that even included a specialty Spiderman stretch that was created by one of the players. Next up was a series of games such as Sharks and Minnows, Soccer Freeze Tag and Red Light, Green Light.

“When Lancaster-Depew Soccer Club was approached by NYSW Youth Soccer to bring back TOPSoccer in the area, it was an immediate yes. We knew we wanted to be as involved as we could be,” said Brian Anderson, Lancaster-Depew SC Board Member. “We were able to set-up seven sessions for the spring utilizing our turf field at Westwood Park in Lancaster, New York. After session one, to see all the smiles on the kids’ faces was such a great feeling, knowing that we could bring this opportunity to our area!”

This past weekend, training at Lancaster-Depew SC TOPSoccer progressed onto passing and shooting drills to help players develop their skills. At the conclusion of each session, Coach Vanessa and Coach Brian also connect with parents and volunteers to discuss ways to make the program even more valuable for its participants.

Any clubs or organizations that are interested in starting a TOPSoccer Program are encouraged to contact our state association office by emailing topsoccer@nyswysa.org or by calling 607-962-9923 (extension 3). NYSWYSA provides support to member clubs and works in collaboration with them to help establish, sustain and grow their TOPSoccer Programs.

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!