Making Goals, One Kick at a Time 

 

LYSA TopSoccer logo
(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012)

Have you ever found yourself lost on your way to a soccer field and ended up in the parking lot of a prison?  Perhaps you have not, but as of last Sunday, I am one of the few that have.  However, despite the surprising morning detour, I finally arrived at the park which LYSA TopSoccer calls home. Located on the outskirts of Lexington, KY, this park is complete with a number of soccer fields and no scarcity of caring volunteers.

 

Players having fun!

(LYSA TopSoccer, 2012)

LYSA TopSoccer is an amazing organization dedicated to providing opportunities for disabled children to learn, participate, and play soccer in a fun and encouraging environment.  According to TopSoccer’s website, the volunteer-based group was established in 1991 and the Lexington chapter has been serving this community for over seven years (2012, p. 1)  Throughout the both spring and fall seasons, participants can practice and compete in a number of soccer events aided by dedicated professional coaches and volunteers.  Practices are held every Sunday, while select Saturdays are reserved for tournaments where everyone, no matter what skill level, is part of a team known as the Blue Thunder.  However, the most important part of the program is the buddy system. Each participant has one to two “buddies” whose sole purpose is to encourage, support, and befriend the player. These volunteers demonstrate a high level of commitment and dedication to their buddy by never leaving their side during practices or tournaments.  This system makes sure no one is ever left out and ensures that every player has a friend.

LYSA TopSoccer is a very unique organization for a number of reasons. With the exception of a small fee at the beginning of the season, the organization is completely funded and operated by a group of dedicated volunteers and a handful of local organizations, such as Children's Charity Fund of the Bluegrass and The Jerome S. and Grace H. Murray Foundation.  It is because of the generosity of LYSA TopSoccer’s volunteers, that every participant, no matter his/her financial situation, is given a chance to enjoy the game of soccer and work toward his/her personal goals.  According to LYSA TOPSoccer volunteer Janice Birdwhistell, LYSA TopSoccer works to make sure participants have everything they need to succeed.  The organization is prepared to provide players with any gear they might need, such as cleats, shin guards, or a jersey.  However, LYSA TopSoccer provides more than just material possessions.  Participants become part of a community where there is no shortage of support, encouragement, and, above all, friendship!    
 

Go Blue Thunder!   

Works Cited:

LYSA TopSoccer. (2012).  What is TopSoccer?  Retrived from      http://www.lysa.org/tops/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=53