FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 14, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) announced today that $100,000 in grants was awarded as part of its support for TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) programs across the country.
Grant funds were allocated to 66 recipient organizations, including 16 USYS State Associations and 50 local clubs. In total, grants were awarded to clubs and organizations within 32 different US Youth Soccer State Associations.
“Our vision is to bring communities together through the power of soccer, making lifelong fans of the sport,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “This is only effectively done when including every child with a disability that wants to play the game. The grant program is but one step to move TOPSoccer to a position where it fully supports the disabled player — and we’re proud to be able to do so.”
Applications for the grants, which included requests for items such as soccer balls, goals, and more specialized equipment such as parachutes, sound cancelling headphones, and sensory toys, were submitted and reviewed by US Youth Soccer. Recipients were selected and grants were awarded to lower barriers that state and local programs face when bringing the sport to children who are too often left on the sidelines.
“I am very pleased with the work our TOPSoccer Committee has done to award these grants,” said US Youth Soccer Board Secretary Thomas Sowinski. “Providing the grants has a direct and immediate impact on the investment of TOPSoccer at the grassroots level. USYS is committed to providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities across our 54 State Associations and these grants are a part of that overall effort.”
TOPSoccer 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. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
For more information on US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer, click here.
About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.