TOPSoccer

Anyone aged 4 years or older with an intellectual, emotional, or physical disability is eligible to play TOPS. Team placement is based on a combination of age, size, and ability rather than age alone.

Anyone can volunteer as long as they meet the requirements for their role, including age, time commitment, and volunteer prerequisites. Experience playing or coaching soccer and working with people with disabilities is helpful but not necessary. Training is provided.

Volunteer Roles and Eligibility:

• Family & Volunteer Coordinator: Recruits and schedules volunteers, oversees check-in, and supports families and volunteers during sessions. Must be at least 21 years old and available for all sessions, as well as time for email communication outside of sessions.
• Head Coach: Leads practice sessions and supervises team volunteers. Must be at least 19 years old and available for all sessions for assigned team(s), unless one absence is approved in advance.
• Assistant Coach: Helps manage practice sessions. Must be at least 16 years old and available for all sessions for assigned team(s), unless one absence is approved in advance.
• Lead Buddy: Supports players and guides other buddies. Must be at least 16 years old and available for all sessions for assigned team(s), unless one absence is approved in advance.
• Buddy: Assists players on the field. Must be at least 12 years old and available for one or more sessions. Full-time buddies are preferred, but part-time buddies and substitutes are also needed. Younger buddies may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the director.
• Check-In Staff: Helps with player and volunteer check-in. Must be at least 16 years old and available for one or more sessions.
• Special Event Support Staff: Helps with special events as opportunities arise. Requirements and time commitment depend on the role and volunteer’s availability.
• Other Volunteer Roles (Director, Assistant Director, Board Member, Committee Member): Requirements and time commitment vary by position and must be approved by the LYSA Board before registration.

Player: Complete the online player registration form. Some players may need to submit additional forms, such as players with Down syndrome who have atlanto-axial instability, or new players aged 18 or older requesting SafeSport training waivers. 

Volunteer: Complete the online volunteer registration form, along with required risk management and training items. 

Click the Registration link for further details and to access the registration forms.

LYSA’s TOPS program is offered on Sunday afternoons during the fall and spring seasons at a local indoor facility. Each season includes 5–6 sessions, with scrimmage games held at the end of each practice.

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.

Players:

• League t-shirt and name tag (provided by league)
• Black soccer shorts or athletic pants without zippers or snaps
• Shin guards (worn under soccer socks or in pockets of soccer sleeves)
• Soccer socks (provided by league)
• Tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes (outdoor cleats are not allowed on artificial turf)
• Water bottle labeled with name
• Soccer ball labeled with name:
  • Dribblers: Size 3
  • Shooters: Size 4
  • Wings and Kickers: Size 5
• Optional for Wings & Kickers: goalkeeper gloves
• Reminder: Jewelry and similar items should not be worn

Volunteers:

• Volunteer t-shirt and name tag (provided by league)
• Athletic shorts or athletic pants (modest style and length)
• Tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes with socks (outdoor cleats are not allowed on artificial turf)
• Water bottle labeled with name
• Bag/backpack for personal belongings

The registration fee is $35 and is paid through LYSA’s online registration system. Scholarships are available; click the Registration link for the financial assistance form.

In addition to the registration fee, families should plan for a few additional items needed to participate. Players will need shin guards, tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes, a soccer ball, and a water bottle.

The league provides each player with a league t-shirt and soccer socks. New players also receive black soccer shorts. Replacement shorts are provided in future seasons if a different size is needed.

There is no cost to volunteer for TOPS. The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association covers background checks and and any training-related expenses.

Click on the links under the TOPSoccer submenu for additional information about TOPS. You may also contact us if you have any questions.