At a basic level, Cincinnati TOPSoccer is a sports nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities to play soccer. But the simple act of playing soccer with a team creates an environment in which players’ goals become so much greater than the ones they might score.
President and coach Randy Corey started working with Cincinnati TOPSoccer because he has a daughter with special needs. “I was coaching her and her brother in soccer and baseball when they were very young,” says Randy. “As they aged, the gap in ability became more and more apparent.”
At first, he simply enrolled his daughter in the TOPSoccer program. He saw so much value in what they were doing that he chose to open a second location. After several years, he was promoted to run the entire organization.
Children as young as 4 years old can participate in programming at Cincinnati TOPSoccer. They have players with autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Some players use crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. They have players with visual and hearing impairments. Players are put on teams based on age and ability level, with a separate wheelchair division. Parents and guardians are encouraged to inquire if they have questions about whether their child or family member qualifies for this program. Truly, anyone is welcome and the community engagement is incredible.
Randy shares, ”Mathew's dad never thought he'd see his son run. Craig's grandfather never saw him genuinely smile. Bradley's mom never thought her son would play soccer.”
Cincinnati TOPSoccer is a place where people with disabilities have the space to make choices for themselves, supporting resiliency. To rely and be relied upon by a team is an experience many people take for granted. But it is purposefully cultivated at Cincinnati TOPSoccer.
“We still challenge players to try hard and improve with each practice just as anyone else would,” explains Randy. “We celebrate all achievements the same, whether they’re a highly athletic player with a strong kick placing a ball in the upper left corner of the net, or a player with very little use of their limbs, giving me a high five that was an inch higher than they were able to give last week.”
Cincinnati TOPSoccer always accepts both volunteers and participants. They need coaches, assistant coaches and on-field “buddies.” Buddies can be as young as middle school age and must have a big heart and a willingness to set aside preconceived notions. A little knowledge about soccer doesn’t hurt! The expectation is to be present for one session every week for seven weeks for the spring season at Let’s Play Sports in Mason, or one practice session and one game session per week for 11 weeks for the fall season at Hope Church in Mason and in Batavia and Harrison.
There’s also the opportunity to volunteer off the field. Cincinnati TOPSoccer has tournaments once a year in the fall. The tournament is an all-day event, and the organization utilizes volunteers for every part of it. They have no paid positions.
Randy shares, “Our model not only empowers all kids and adults with special needs to play with us, but also enables the parents to just be soccer moms and dads for an hour a week, a luxury most of us parents of kids with special needs never get to enjoy.”
Supporting Cincinnati TOPSoccer directly contributes to a community of care and makes an immediate difference. By participating, volunteering or donating, community members can help individuals with disabilities reach new goals, realize their potential and enrich their lives.
To learn more and get involved, visit CincyTOPSoccer.com.
“Our model not only empowers all kids and adults with special needs to play with us, but also enables the parents to just be soccer moms and dads for an hour a week.”