TOPSoccer Program for children with disabilities

HERMON – Blackbear United FC, a local not-for-profit youth soccer organization, is planning the addition of a TOPSoccer Program to its current youth soccer program for children ages 4 to 18 with mental or physical disabilities in Penobscot County and surrounding areas.

The emphasis of the program is on development, training and meaningful participation rather than on competition.

TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the U.S. Youth Soccer mission statement, “to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.”

Blackbear United’s goal is “to enable young athletes with disabilities to develop physical fitness, technical skills, courage and self-esteem, through the joy and excitement of playing soccer.”

TOPSoccer provides physical development and coordination, social development, cognitive thinking and an opportunity for some children to play on a team sport for the first time in their life – and just plain old fun. TOPSoccer allows an opportunity for athletes’ parents to be a “soccer mom” or a “soccer dad” and cheer on their child from the sidelines, possibly for the first time.

TOPSoccer is free to any child with a disability, ages 5 to 18. The goal is to offer every child within a 30-mile radius of Bangor the opportunity to participate in fun and games and go to an awards banquet, festival and tournament with the already established southern Maine TOPSoccer program. It is hoped that more than 100 participants will enroll the first year, and more than 250 within three years.

In partnership with SoccerMaine, the governing body of youth soccer in Maine, each participant will receive a uniform and ball.

The TOPSoccer Program will take registrations for an outdoor program that will start in June.

Blackbear United will host a Spring Festival with fun, games and prizes to launch the TOPSoccer Program 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Hermon Elementary School fields.

Once registrations are in, the age groups will be determined and publicized. Each registrant will be paired with a current Blackbear United player who will be their “buddy” throughout the program.

Blackbear United offers soccer training and development to players ages 4 to 18 and has more than 270 members.

“This is a great opportunity for our club and membership to share their soccer expertise and love of the game with children who have physical and mental disabilities. There is no greater experience than seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they score a goal or learn a new skill. We are really looking forward to starting the TOPSoccer Program and partnering with organizations like the Maine Parent Foundation and the Autism Society of Maine,” said M.J. Ball, director of Blackbear United.

Those who wish to be involved with TOPSoccer by volunteering, who know an athlete wanting to play, or who wish to donate to the program, may call M.J. Ball at 862-4154, ext. 2, or e-mail topsoccer@blackbearunited.com. To register, complete the online registration form at www.blackbearunited.com.