What is TOPSoccer at FC Sarasota?

Updated

TOPSoccer at FC Sarasota is the club's chapter of the US Youth Soccer outreach program designed to give young people with disabilities or special needs a place to play soccer. FC Sarasota lists it as one of its official programs, alongside its competitive, recreational, First Kickers, and Footskills offerings. If you are looking for an inclusive soccer option in the Sarasota area rather than a traditional travel or recreational team, TOPSoccer is the program to ask about.

What TOPSoccer is designed to do

TOPSoccer — short for "The Outreach Program for Soccer" — is a national US Youth Soccer initiative. Its purpose is to open the sport to athletes who may not be able to participate in mainstream competitive or recreational leagues because of physical or cognitive disabilities.

The model typically pairs each player with a volunteer "buddy" who helps them take part in practices and games at their own pace. The emphasis is on participation, skill-building, and fun rather than standings or tryouts.

FC Sarasota's own site identifies the program simply as:

TOPSoccer - US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)

That listing confirms the club runs a TOPSoccer program under the US Youth Soccer framework, but the site excerpt does not spell out local session times, ages, or costs.

Who it is for

TOPSoccer is generally aimed at youth athletes with special needs. Based on how the program is structured nationally and how FC Sarasota groups it with its other youth offerings:

  • It serves young players who need a modified, supportive environment.
  • It is separate from the club's Competitive Program (U7–U18) and Recreational Program (U7–U19), which follow standard age-group play.
  • It is distinct from First Kickers (U5 & U6) and Footskills (U7–U14), which are skill and entry-level programs for typical development.

If your child has a disability or needs extra support to play, TOPSoccer is the relevant FC Sarasota program to explore.

How it fits with FC Sarasota's other programs

Program Age range listed Focus
Competitive Program U7–U18 Higher-level, tryout-based play
Recreational Program U7–U19 Standard recreational play
First Kickers U5 & U6 Introductory soccer
Footskills U7–U14 Skill development
TOPSoccer Not specified on site US Youth Soccer outreach for players with special needs
Adult League Parents of registered players only Adult play

This table shows where TOPSoccer sits: it is an inclusion-focused program, not an age-bracketed competitive track.

How to get involved

The website excerpt does not include TOPSoccer registration steps, session dates, or fees. To find out how to join, use the club's published contact channels:

  • Phone: 941-925-7679
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: fcsarasota.com — check the Programs section and the News/Quick Links areas for current TOPSoccer details.

When you reach out, ask specifically about:

  1. Eligibility and age range for TOPSoccer participants.
  2. Current session schedule and location (the club lists Fields and Camps pages).
  3. Whether volunteer buddies are needed and how to sign up.
  4. Any registration or uniform requirements.

What the site does not tell you

The available page evidence confirms TOPSoccer exists as an FC Sarasota program but does not provide:

  • Specific ages served locally.
  • Season dates or practice times.
  • Cost or whether financial aid applies to TOPSoccer (the club does list a Financial Aid resource, but the excerpt does not connect it to TOPSoccer).
  • Registration deadlines.

For any of these details, contact the club directly rather than assuming they match the national TOPSoccer template.