When are TOPSoccer Sessions?

TOPSoccer Sessions run on Sundays from 9-10:30am at Simonds Elementary with the exception of the Sept. 12 session which will be at Bret Harte Middle School. There are 9 sessions during the TOPSoccer season which runs from Sunday 9/12/2010 until Sunday 11/7/2010.

What is the Buddy commitment?  

We are requesting the Buddies commit to a minimum of 6 hours of service (four 1-1/2 hour TOPSoccer sessions).  Many of our Buddies have signed up for many more than the four sessions because they enjoy it so much. In addition, we are asking Buddies to attend a training/information meeting so that they will have the information they need to have a successful Buddy experience.  Our next training/information meeting is on Sunday, 9/19 from 8:30am-9:15am at Simonds Elementary.

How do I sign up to be a Buddy for a TOPSoccer Session?

Once you fill out our online TOPSoccer Buddy Application and it is accepted, you will be sent the link to our online scheduling tool  to sign up to be a buddy for the TOPSoccer sessions you are interested in. 

What is a TOPSoccer Buddy?

TOPSoccer Buddies are invaluable volunteers who participate directly with individual players or within a team with several players to enable participation in a soccer activity. The TOPSoccer buddy is on the field of play but is not a player and does not score goals. They help the TOPSoccer player succeed and keep them as safe as possible. TOPSoccer Buddies can be a teenager or an adult. They can be a soccer player, someone who works with special needs children or someone who has no soccer experience, but a strong desire to enable children to have FUN.
 

More about the role of a TOPSoccer Buddy . . .

• Participates with player to enable player participation as needed.
• Interacts directly with player, parents, and coaches.
• Creates safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player
• Continuously monitors/assesses the players for sensory sensitivities, fatigue, water breaks, melt-downs, over-heating.
• Assists/Creates/Directs/Guides/Teaches in a FUN but learning environment.
• Creates opportunities for play by assisting player with ball retrieval/control, keeping the ball close to the player, assisting the player into a position to play and with balance as necessary.
• Ensures player understands instructions and provides additional individual instruction during play as needed by modeling desired skill, and helping to define the space and “strategies” (example : “We are going in this direction”).
• Assists player to focus on activity and allows for quiet time as needed.
• Provide stability in an often chaotic environment.
• Encourages player by providing positive feedback and cheering them on. 

What else should I keep in mind about being a TOPSoccer Buddy?

The AVYSL TOPSoccer staff wants you to have a great experience as a TOPSoccer Buddy and we are here to support you in this manner.

TOPSoccer Buddies must come to TOPSoccer sessions dressed appropriately so that they can actively participate on the soccer field.

TOPSoccer Buddies understand that use of mobile phones on the soccer field is strictly prohibited.  Mobile phones are not allowed on a TOPSoccer Buddy’s person while on the soccer field.

TOPSoccer Buddies understand that this is a fun but serious commitment.  If the AVYSL staff observes a TOPSoccer Buddy not fulfilling their responsibility, that Buddy may be dismissed from the TOPSoccer session and program.