New Mexico United, the Somos Unidos Foundation, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network, and Kraemer Fields have teamed up to create a TOPSoccer Program here in Albuquerque. If you are looking to be a buddy or coach please see the information below and register for time slots for training. This is a weekly program that will being March 15th. Times will be 1pm-3pm on those Sundays in the Spring. We hope you can join us in creating a positive atmosphere for these individuals!
Practice Dates:
March 15th
March 22nd
March 29th
April 12th
April 19th
April 26th
Differentiators of TOPSoccer Roles:
BUDDIES – Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. 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. Buddies can be ages 12 and up and partnered with an athlete younger than them.
COACHES – TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies 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.