WESTFIELD, IN June 13th, 2026 — While some of the Midwest’s most competitive youth soccer matches were taking place on the fields of Grand Park Sports Campus during the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup Midwest Regionals, another special event was unfolding nearby—one centered on inclusion, friendship, teamwork, and the belief that soccer truly is a game for everyone.
Indiana Soccer hosted a TOPSoccer Showcase on Saturday, June 13th, welcoming athletes, buddies, families, coaches, and volunteers from across the state of Indiana. The event brought together children and adults of all abilities to experience the joy of soccer in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment while showcasing the impact that TOPSoccer programs have on communities throughout the state.
Among those in attendance were Indiana Soccer Director Dave Guthrie, US Youth Soccer Chief Operating Officer Joel Dragan, Indiana Soccer TOPSoccer Liaison Mary Schalliol, US Youth Soccer Midwest Region TOPSoccer Chairperson Roni Andrew, US Youth Soccer Board of Directors Member-at-Large Louis Mateus, members of the Indiana Soccer staff, and numerous volunteers who helped make the day a memorable experience.
Addressing participants and families, Mary Schalliol emphasized the purpose and vision behind TOPSoccer and the importance of creating opportunities for every individual to experience the game.
“Today, we gathered at the Presidents Cup Midwest Regionals to host a TOPSoccer Showcase, bringing kids and adults from all over the state together to share the joy of teamwork and the love of the game,” said Schell. “Our vision and hope is that we provide any child, adult, or anyone with a disability a safe, fun, and inclusive place to play. We adapt and modify the game to meet everyone’s needs so they can participate, enjoy the experience, and be part of the soccer community.”
Schalliol also challenged clubs and communities throughout Indiana to expand access to TOPSoccer programming.
“It only takes someone with a vision and a willingness to adapt to bring this program to your club,” she said. “TOPSoccer brings incredible joy not only to the athletes, but also to the buddies and volunteers. It creates a true sense of community and togetherness.”
US Youth Soccer Midwest Region TOPSoccer Chairperson Roni Andrew echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of introducing the game to athletes who may not have opportunities to participate in traditional soccer environments.
“We are presenting the game of soccer to our friends who aren’t playing in the mainstream tournament,” said Andrew. “They are invited to join us, and the hope is that they will find local programs where they can continue to participate and play soccer just as everyone else does.”
Andrew stressed that the essence of TOPSoccer is inclusion and accessibility.
“What we are trying to present here is the idea that anybody can play soccer, and there is nothing special about it,” she said. “We need soccer balls, pinnies, cones, a soccer field, some goals, and a bunch of players who want to play—that’s all we need.”
Her message served as a powerful reminder that creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities does not require extraordinary resources—only a commitment to welcoming everyone into the game.
US Youth Soccer Board of Directors Member-at-Large Louis Mateus expanded on the broader impact that inclusive soccer programs can have on individuals and communities.
“What makes me happy about programs like the TOPSoccer Showcase is that this sport—soccer—gives everyone an opportunity to play,” said Mateus. “Not only to play, but to meet people, make friends, and build community. Everyone that I meet every day is because of sport.”
Mateus pointed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a reminder of soccer’s unique ability to bring people together from all walks of life.
“With the World Cup here in the USA, it’s a good example of how the world comes together and everyone has an opportunity to play,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what we’re good at or what we’re bad at—we can all play. That’s what makes us, and US Youth Soccer, proud of what the states are doing to make sure every kid and every person has an opportunity to play regardless of background, size, or ability.”
He also challenged clubs and communities to think about individuals who may not currently have access to soccer opportunities and consider how programs like TOPSoccer can help bring them into the game.
“There are players in our communities who may not be visible, but who could benefit from programs like TOPSoccer,” Mateus said. “It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to give kids and adults the opportunity to meet each other, play, be involved, and have some activity.”
His remarks reinforced the event’s central message that soccer is more than a sport—it is a vehicle for connection, inclusion, friendship, and community.
US Youth Soccer COO Joel Dragan praised the showcase as a powerful example of the sport’s ability to unite communities and create meaningful opportunities for every athlete.
“This is a special event because while US Youth Soccer is hosting some of the most competitive matches in the country right now, inside this building we have the reason we say soccer is a game for all kids,” said Dragan. “There is always a place for every child in soccer, and this is the perfect example right here. We are proud to have this event hosted at Grand Park and could not be more excited. These are some wonderful athletes both on and off the field. This is a great day for all of us. Thank you, Indiana Soccer.”
For Indiana Soccer Director Dave Guthrie, the showcase represented the organization’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of soccer. Through TOPSoccer, Indiana Soccer continues to create pathways for athletes with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities to participate in the game while building friendships, confidence, and lifelong memories.
Throughout the day, athletes participated in soccer activities and small-sided games alongside their buddies, creating countless smiles, high-fives, and memorable moments. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the inclusive spirit that TOPSoccer embodies.
The showcase also served as a reminder that inclusion and competition can coexist. While elite teams from across the Midwest competed for regional championships outside, the athletes participating in the TOPSoccer Showcase demonstrated another side of the beautiful game—one focused on belonging, opportunity, and community.
As the event concluded, one message resonated throughout Grand Park: soccer belongs to everyone. The TOPSoccer Showcase served as a powerful reminder that success in sport is not measured solely by wins and losses, but by the lives impacted, the barriers removed, and the communities strengthened through the beautiful game.
Indiana Soccer’s TOPSoccer program continues to provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities to participate in soccer in an environment designed around acceptance, support, and fun. Through the dedication of volunteers, buddies, clubs, and community leaders, TOPSoccer remains a shining example of Indiana Soccer’s commitment to improving lives through soccer and ensuring that every player has a place in the game.
