TOPSOCCER PROGRAM
The TOPSoccer Program (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a free, inclusive program designed for children with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to experience the joy of soccer in a supportive, fun environment. The program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and physical fitness, while promoting social interaction and confidence. Led by our professional coaches and dedicated volunteers, TOPSoccer provides a safe and encouraging space where players can participate at their own pace and enjoy the game.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for every child to be part of a group, develop new skills, and create lasting memories in the world of soccer. TOPSoccer embodies our core value of Championing Inclusion — ensuring every child has the chance to play, grow, and belong through soccer.
Join or Volunteer
There are many ways to get involved:
- Register a Player – Join our next clinic or seasonal program
- Become a Buddy – Volunteer as a "Buddy"
- Partner with Us – Help us expand access and awareness across the District
Why It Matters
DC Soccer Club believes that soccer should be accessible to everyone. Through programs like TOPSoccer, we provide opportunities for children of all abilities to gain confidence, make friends, and fall in love with the game — while fostering understanding and empathy within our broader club community.
- ELIGIBILITY: Ages 5-14
- PROGRAM DETAILS:
- 6 weekly sessions, 1-hour each
- Spring and Fall season registration
- Open to players with cognitive, physical or developmental disabilities
- Each player will be paired with a volunteer "buddy" and activities are adapted to each player's disability
- COST: Free
- CONTACT: Program Director
Gabi Wlassits
JOIN OR VOLUNTEER
Register a Player
Registration is FREE - Join our next clinic or seasonal program
Become a Buddy
Volunteer to be a Buddy and be paired up with a player for the program. Many teens volunteer and earn community service hours
Partner with Us
Organizations and businesses can help us expand the program and reach more families in the community. Contact our Program Administrator Gabi Wlassits
Fall 2025 Season Information
| LOCATION | Stead Rec Center Turf |
| DAYS | Saturdays |
| TIME | 10:00am - 11:00am |
| GAME DATES | 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/18, and 10/25. No sessions on 10/11; Make-up date 11/1 |
TOPSoccer Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What is TOPSoccer?
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is an adapted recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
When is the program offered?
TOPSoccer is offered every Fall and Spring. Details will be listed under Season Information.
Who is in charge of the program?
TOPSoccer coaches and administrators with education and certification training that assist in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing soccer exercises and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
What is a Buddy?
Each participant is assigned a volunteer, a trained ‘Buddy’. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
How do you volunteer and what is the age requirement?
Buddies are paired up with athletes of varying abilities and experiences with soccer, and each week help lead the athletes through fun activities and games. TOPSoccer is an extremely rewarding program for athletes, buddies, and organizers. If you would like to volunteer or learn more start by submitting a volunteer application under "registration". Buddies must be able to commit to the majority of sessions in a season and must attend program orientation.
We have many teenagers that volunteer as Buddies, typically beginning at 14 years old. Teenagers are also able to receive community service hours for volunteering.