New Jersey Youth Soccer recently held a TOPSoccer Jamboree with West Orange United FC, which was hosted at Bethany Center for Champions in West Orange, N.J.
“What a privilege it was for our afterschool program to host a TOPSoccer Mini-Jamboree,” said Pastor Zach Guyton, Executive Director of Bethany Center for Champions. “I think the training session built confidence in our teens that they could give back to their community by serving as soccer buddies to youth with special needs.
“I am the parent of a teenager with special needs. It made me feel good to see my son’s peers grow in their ability to interact with him, especially while doing a sport that he loves.”
Led by NJ Youth Soccer coach Lou Mignone, participants in the TOPSoccer Jamboree underwent various activities that enabled them to interact with one another while experiencing the joys of soccer. Additionally, nearly 30 teenage volunteers from West Orange underwent mentorship at the event, with staff members empowering them to serve children with special needs through the TOPSoccer program.
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with special needs. Each year, NJ Youth Soccer honors a TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year at its annual NJYS Awards Dinner.
To find out more about NJYS TOPSoccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
