TOPS (The Outreach Program for Soccer)
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a program designed to help children with various disabilities to participate in the sport of soccer. It is the mission of FKK, that we provide the game of soccer to everyone in our community. It doesn’t matter what disabilities that they may have, they will be able to be a part of our program.
The program has helped our children not only with their verbal skills, but it helps them with motor, behavior, and social skills. It gives them something to look forward to on the weekends and they enjoy playing the games and making new friends. We don’t frustrate the kids by keeping score, they are just there to enjoy the game. Our kids have various disabilities, we don’t level them, we encourage them to do their best. We allow their typical peers to play with them, which in return, helps their siblings cope with understanding about children with disabilities. It helps the siblings to be more sensitive to their needs by helping them out on the field.
Our TOPS players are 4 years and older. The Fall season runs from September to November and then again in the Spring from February to April. All players are paired up one-to-one or small groups with their Buddy (volunteers) who help them through the session by leading, demonstrating and encouraging the TOPS player. We start out with some stretches, then go to some fun running exercises with a soccer ball like Red Light, Green Light. We will then have a stations set up with a set of drills that the Player and Buddy got though. We then will divide up into groups to work on some game-type sessions that are alway fun and get their bodies moving. We usually end with a fun game of "sharks and minnows" or maybe a parachute game. Water breaks are given often for the players to stay hydrated.
All players are required to register for each season annually. A TOPS player can join in at anytime during the season.
AGE GROUP:
Age Groups:
U4 - U18
TOPS COORDINATOR:
Erin Mikalsen
TOPS@floridakrazekrush.com
407-792-8793
DETAILS + REGISTRATION:
Fridays
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Central Winds Park, Field D
FIELD MAP (Field D)
1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708
REGISTER:
There is NO COST for players in the TOPS program
Uniform includes One (1) game jersey
FALL 2024 SCHEDULE:
- September 6
- September 13
- September 20
- September 27
(October 4 – no TOPS due to FKK tournament) - October 11
- October 18
- October 25 (Trunk or Treat Event after TOPS Session)
- November 1
- November 8
- November 15
- November 22
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Make a difference in these special kid’s lives and sign-up to interact with them while playing the sport we love.
FAQs for VOLUNTEERS
What is TOPS?
TOPS stands for "The Outreach Program for Soccer". It's a structured soccer program for special needs players. They range from having disabilities such as down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. TOPS players are from the central Florida community.
How old are the TOPS Players?
The special needs players range from age 4-18 years old.
How old does a volunteer need to be? Do they need to be part of FKK?
Our volunteers need to be 14 years and older. No, you do not need to be part of FKK, but most of our volunteers are. You can be a parent too or someone that is just interested in helping out! So if you know someone that would enjoy being a volunteer for this, please have them sign up on the web page or email tops@floridakrazekrush.com
Do volunteers need to come to every Friday night session?
We ask that you commit as much as you can until Nov 17. We understand some players have to travel for league/tournaments, and that is fine! We just ask you be there on the other Fridays. The players look for you and become attached to you too 🙂 The schedule is listed on this page.
What does a volunteer do at TOPS?
You will be paired up with a player for that session. Some players and volunteers have already formed a relationship so we keep those matched up. Once you meet your player, we suggest passing the ball back and forth until the session starts. We start with simple warm ups (stretching, running back and forth with the ball, red light/green light). Then a couple of "drills" will be demonstrated where you will then work with your player and help them go through each station. We usually end the session with Sharks and Minnows games. It's a lively and energetic hour!
Where is TOPS held and for how long?
TOPS is at Central Winds Park from 6:30-7:30 pm, Field D. We ask volunteers to arrive at 6:15pm so you can be there when the players arrive. The Fall season is now until Nov 17 -- every Friday night. We then start back up on Spring in February... see full schedule above.
More Questions?
Email tops@floridakrazekrush.com or call 407-209-7307