TOPSoccer athletes, coaches and buddies from seven different clubs joined New Jersey Youth Soccer and West Orange United FC this past weekend for a TOPSoccer Jamboree. Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, the event was held at Roosevelt Middle School in West Orange, N.J.
“Saturday’s Jamboree was full of excitement, energy and enthusiasm,” said Carol Cordiner, NJYS TOPSoccer Program Director. “The smiles and cheers as the players engaged in each activity were contagious. I believe everyone in attendance enjoyed the day’s event. Through dedication, training, and passion for the game NJYS continues to bring soccer to meet everyone’s abilities.”
The day-long festival featured soccer training in addition to games and entertainment for all of the athletes, buddies, coaches and families in attendance. The program also included a classroom session for the buddies, as well as a coaches clinic that was run by NJYS Director of Coaching Rick Meana and New Jersey ODP coach Lou Mignone.
“Saturday’s Jamboree was full of excitement, energy and enthusiasm,” said Carol Cordiner, NJYS TOPSoccer Program Director. “The smiles and cheers as the players engaged in each activity were contagious. I believe everyone in attendance enjoyed the day’s event. Through dedication, training and passion for the game, NJYS continues to bring soccer to meet everyone’s abilities.”
Special attractions at the TOPSoccer Jamboree included a showcase by the New York Red Bulls Freestyle Crew, who also brought some of the players onto the court to perform tricks. Additionally, Sky Blue FC forward Paige Monaghan interacted with the athletes during the event. Sips & Kicks provided freshly blended smoothies for participants, furthering their effort to instill positive eating habits and encouraging physical activity through smoothies and soccer. JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, which is the Official Injury Prevention Educator and Physical Therapy Provider of NJ Youth Soccer, also provided on-site support.
Clubs involved in the TOPSoccer Jamboree included Chatham SC, Morris United SC, Passaic Recreation, Roselle Park SC, Springfield SC, West Morris SC and West Orange United FC.
TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement initiative for young athletes with special needs. The program also provides a curriculum to train coaches in how to provide fun and engaging soccer for those young athletes. The program, designed by U.S. Youth Soccer, emphasizes player-specific development, training and meaningful participation rather than competition and results.
