If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you already know how rare it is to find an activity that truly fits-one that’s welcoming, structured, and designed for your child to succeed and have fun.
That's exactly why SABR TOPSoccer exists.
TOPSoccer is a recreational soccer program for athletes with special needs, built around training, teamwork, and meaningful participation in a supportive environment. Each athlete is paired with a volunteer “Soccer Buddy” who helps them during practices and games, so every player can feel confident, included, and celebrated.
And here’s the part families love most: players can participate from age 4 through adulthood-yes, even well into their 40s-because TOPSoccer believes the opportunity to play shouldn’t expire.
The Parent Perspective: It's Not Just Soccer-It's Support
TOPSoccer is often described as joyful for players (because it is), but parents will tell you it’s something else too:
- A place where your child is understood
- A place where your child belongs
- A place where they can build friendships
- A place where you can breathe for a moment
Because when trained volunteers and buddies are right there on the field, parents don’t have to carry every single thing alone for that hour.
Shirley & Mike Barbere: "We needed this-so we built it."
Shirley and Mike Barbere had three kids in TOPSoccer and have been part of the league for over five years. Their family’s story is rooted in something many parents recognize immediately: there simply weren’t enough inclusive sports options nearby. They found TOPSoccer and “fell in love”.
They loved it so much that they created their own TOPSoccer program in Sunrise which now enrolls dozens of players.
And when they describe why they love TOPSoccer, it’s beautifully honest:
TOPSoccer gives them a break.
It lets someone else take care of and watch their kids-while their kids are having the time of their lives. Parents get to step back without worry. They get a moment to take their mind off the daily stress and challenges that come with caregiving, appointments, school concerns, and the nonstop “what’s next?”
And for a little while, they get to just be… parents watching their kids enjoy being kids.
Donna Bahn: A program that builds community-on and off the field
Donna has been involved with TOPSoccer since it began in 2001, and her “why” goes beyond the game.
She loves TOPSoccer because it gets her kids out into the community-especially when school is out. She’s seen how it helps her daughter, Sally, socialize, exercise, and support her mental health through movement and connection.
But the other impact surprised her at first: the parent community.
Donna has made friendships, found resources, and built a support system by connecting with other parents who get it.
“Its so valuable to talk to other parents and a source of support for the future of their children.”
And that’s the magic: players make friends on the field, and parents make friends on the sidelines-support that continues long after the season ends.
Dawn Gelenski: "Even when kids get older, TOPSoccer stays."
Dawn has been involved in TOPSoccer since 2007, and her family’s experience shows what makes this program so different from many other activities: it doesn’t disappear when kids “age out.”
She’s watched friendships grow year after year-so much that friends have become family. She’s known many of these families since her kids were three years old.
Today, TOPSoccer is a whole-family tradition:
- Her son is a player
- Her daughter is a buddy-to-coach
- Her husband is a coach
And Dawn will tell you straight: she wishes it was more than nine weeks.
Because TOPSoccer is one of the few places where her family can keep coming back, keep belonging, and keep feeling supported-season after season.
And yes-she loves it for the same reason so many parents do:
She can get a break… and the support she truly values.
Penny Putman: "The volunteers are incredible-and the energy is always positive."
Penny’s family is in their second year with TOPSoccer, and she’s still amazed by the number of volunteers who show up to make it all happen.
Her 16-year-old son loves the organization. She loves the attitude: everyone is encouraging, welcoming, and genuinely happy to be there.
In fact, Penny was so moved by their experience that she told another family about TOPSoccer-because once you find a program like this, you want other parents to feel that relief too.
And like so many TOPSoccer parents, she’ll tell you: It gives her a break.
Why TOPSoccer Works: The Buddy Model
A huge reason parents feel comfortable stepping back is because the program is built for support. Each player is paired with a buddy whenever volunteers are available, so athletes can participate fully and safely-and parents can relax a little more.
Kept Free for Families-Thanks to Sponsors and SABR
One of the most meaningful parts of TOPSoccer is that it’s accessible. The program has remained free to players thanks to generous sponsors and donors, along with the SABR soccer club community that powers it.
That support helps families focus on what matters: showing up, being included, and watching their athlete shine.
Because for parents, it’s not “just soccer.”
It’s confidence. It’s friendship. It’s community.
And sometimes… it’s the first real break they’ve had all week.
Questions? Want more info about SABR TOPSoccer? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us.