TOPSoccer Player and Volunteer Registration Will Open in Late January

                                                  

 

About Us

 

TOPSoccer (TOPS - The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs, such as the Lexington Youth Soccer Association (LYSA). TOPS provides people with diverse abilities with an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.

The TOPS program was founded by the US Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) in 1991, and became one of LYSA’s leagues in 2009. LYSA’s TOPS program is run by volunteer administrators, coaches, buddies, and support staff.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can play TOPS? 

Anyone aged 4 years and older with an intellectual, emotional, or physical disability can play TOPS. Team placement is by ability, size, and age rather than age alone.

 

Who can volunteer for TOPS?

Anyone can volunteer as long as they are old enough and complete certain volunteer requirements (e.g., background check & SafeSport training for adult volunteers, online training for new volunteers, and in-person training for coaches). Although experience playing or coaching soccer and working with persons with disabilities is helpful for volunteering with TOPS, it is not required. Training is provided.

Volunteer Roles and Requirements:

• Head Coach (help oversee and facilitate practice sessions): 19+ years of age & available to assist with all sessions; may miss a minimum of one session if a sub is available; current or former coaches may serve as subs
• Assistant Coach (assist coaches in the oversight and facilitation of practice sessions): 16+ years of age & available to assist with all sessions; may miss a minimum of one session if a sub is available; current or former assistant coaches may serve as subs 
• Lead Buddy (mentor buddies & assist coaches): 16+ years of age & available to assist with all sessions; may miss a minimum of one session if a sub is available.
• Buddy (assist players on the field): 12+ years of age & preferably available to assist with all sessions; part-time and sub positions also available
• Other Volunteer Roles (e.g., director, assistant director, family & volunteer coordinator, check-in staff, photographer, videographer): age and time commitment varies by role; current openings: family & volunteer coordinator, check-in staff, photographer, & videographer

 

How do I become a TOPS player or volunteer?

• Player: Requires completion of an online player registration form. Additional forms may be required for certain players (e.g., players with Down syndrome and atlanto-axial instability and new players aged 18 years or older who request SafeSport training waivers). Click on Player Info & Resources link for details.
• Volunteer: Requires completion of an online volunteer registration form and risk management and training items. Click on Volunteer Info & Resources link for details. Note: Risk management items only required if volunteer 18 years or older during the season.

 

Where and when does the LYSA TOPS program take place?

LYSA’s TOPS program is held on Sunday afternoons during Fall and Spring seasons at a local indoor facility. There are 5-6 sessions per season. Scrimmage games are held at the end of practice sessions.

During the Fall season, players have an opportunity to participate in the Cincinnati TOPSoccer Fall Classic on a Saturday during local public and private schools’ Fall Break.

Spring 2025 Session Information:

• Location: Lexington Sporting Club (LSC) Indoor Facility 2, 404 Sporting Court in Lexington, KY (near Fayette Mall)
• Session Dates: 3/23, 3/30, 4/13, 4/27, and 5/04
• Session Times & Field Locations Per Team Division:
  • Dribblers (~4-7 years): 3:00 – 4:00 PM on Field A
  • Shooters (~8-11 years): 3:00 – 4:00 PM on Field B
  • Wings (~12-15 years): 4:15 – 5:15 PM on Field B
  • Kickers (~16+ years): 4:15 – 5:15 PM on Field A

Note: Players and volunteers are asked to arrive early to check in and get ready for the session (e.g., first practice session date: admin and check-in staff – 1 hour early, coaches 30 min early, buddies – 20 min early, and players – 15 to 20 min early; remaining session dates: arrival time depends on role and team assignment [e.g., buddies expected on the field 10 min before practice start time]).

 

What do players and volunteers need to wear and bring to sessions?

• Players:
  • League t-shirt (provided by league at first session)
  • Name tag (provided by league every session)
  • Soccer shorts (or athletic shorts/pants without zippers or snaps)
  • Shin guards
  • Soccer socks (provided by league at first session)
  • Indoor soccer shoes or tennis shoes (outdoor soccer cleats are NOT allowed)
  • Water bottle labeled with name
  • Soccer ball labeled with name (Dribblers & Shooters – Size 3, Wings – Size 4, Kickers – Size 5)
  • Optional for Wings and Kickers Players: Goalkeeper Gloves
• Volunteers:
  • Volunteer t-shirt (provided by league at first session)
  • Name tag (provided by league every session)
  • Athletic shorts/pants
  • Indoor soccer shoes or tennis shoes & socks (outdoor soccer cleats are NOT allowed)
  • Water bottle labeled with name

 

How much does it cost to play TOPS?

The registration fee is $35.00. This fee is paid through LYSA’s online registration system. Scholarships are available (see the Registration page for the financial assistance form).

Players also need the following to play: soccer shorts (or athletic pants without snaps or zippers), shin guards, indoor soccer shoes or tennis shoes, soccer ball, and water bottle. Note: The league provides players with a t-shirt and soccer socks. When possible, the league also provides soccer shorts for new players (and returning players who need a different size).

 

How much does it cost to volunteer for TOPS?

There is no cost to volunteer for TOPS. The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) covers background checks and training-related costs.

 

How do I find additional information about TOPS?

You can find further details about the program and registration under the below links. Please contact Lynda Ison, the LYSA TOPSoccer League Director, at topsoccerlex@gmail.com, if you have questions or need assistance.