TOPSoccer Kicks Off at Penn State Behrend
The Penn State Behrend men's and women's soccer teams are currently in the preparation phases of their highly successful TOPSoccer program. TOPSoccer is a community-based program developed by U.S. Youth Soccer to give children with disabilities the opportunity to learn and play soccer.
This is the fourth year of TOPSoccer at Behrend. The program has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. This year there are 40 participants eager to get their own personal soccer seasons started. "The demand for the program has been phenomenal," said Behrend men's soccer coach Dan Perritano. The young athletes are coached by Penn State Behrend men's and women's soccer players. "Our players really enjoy working with the youngsters and find it very rewarding. It is a great opportunity for them to give something back to the community," added Perritano.
The program consists of basic soccer skill exercises blended with small sided games and other soccer-related activities. "The focus is really just on the children having fun," said head women's coach Patrick O'Driscoll. There is also a pizza party and an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the final night. Also, new this year is a three speaker seminar series for parents who have children with disabilities.
TOPSoccer, sponsored by the Sertoma Club of Erie and the Kiwanis Club of Erie begins on March 16, and runs for eight weeks.
Back to Men's Soccer News Index