TOPSoccer for Players with Disabilities
TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is US Youth Soccer’s recreational soccer program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. For families exploring participation, the starting point is finding a local program and discussing what would help their player feel comfortable, supported, and included.
Programs are designed around the needs of their participants, so season length, activities, and playing formats can differ from one location to another (US Youth Soccer). Ask the local coordinator how sessions are organized rather than assuming every program follows the same schedule or approach.
Before registering, share your player’s interests, communication preferences, and support needs with the coordinator. Use that conversation to understand the activities, available assistance, and role a parent or caregiver would be expected to play.
What this means for parents
For parents, the practical implication is that TOPSoccer is often one of the lowest‑barrier entry points in youth soccer: many club and state‑association programs explicitly promote free or very low‑cost registration and welcome a wide range of support needs, sometimes including uniforms. Families are usually advised to start by checking their state association (such as Florida Youth Soccer Association) or nearby USYS clubs, then contacting the listed TOPSoccer coordinator for specifics on season dates, accommodations, and buddy support. For clubs and coaches, USYS emphasizes that no two TOPSoccer programs need to look alike; the expectation is to customize session design, staffing, and rules to the local athlete pool while investing in coach and buddy training so disability inclusion is integrated into club culture, not treated as a peripheral side clinic.
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Finding a Program That Fits Your Child
Start with the official TOPSoccer page or your state youth soccer association to find a local program contact. Before registering, speak with the coordinator about your child’s interests and the support that would help them participate.
- Availability and age range: What ages does this location serve? When and where are sessions, how long do they last, and is there a waiting list?
- Activities and accessibility: How are players grouped and activities adapted? Discuss any communication, sensory, mobility, or other support needs, along with access to the field, restrooms, and a place to take a break.
- Buddy and caregiver roles: How are buddies assigned and prepared? Ask what support they provide, whether a parent or caregiver should remain nearby, and how staff handle a situation requiring additional assistance.
- The first visit: Can your family observe a session or meet the coordinator before registering? Ask what arrival looks like and whether your child can ease into activities at a comfortable pace.
- Costs and equipment: What is the total participation cost, what equipment is provided, and what should your child bring or wear? Ask whether financial assistance is available if needed.
Include your child in the conversation in whatever way works for them. Focus on whether the program can offer an enjoyable, supportive experience, and agree with the coordinator on how you will share feedback after the first few sessions.
Where TOPSoccer Can Lead
TOPSoccer is recreational, and for many families that's exactly the point. But some players want more competition as they grow. U.S. Soccer works with a group of Disability Service Organizations that offer programs from grassroots to elite, and it fields national teams in cerebral palsy, deaf and power soccer. (U.S. Soccer)
Cerebral palsy soccer
CP soccer is for players with cerebral palsy, a stroke or a traumatic brain injury who can walk and run. CP Soccer is open to ages 7 to 18 and runs teams, camps and virtual training. Its U15 Juniors program identifies younger players, and its national team program for ages 15 and up holds camps that lead toward the U.S. Men's and Women's CP National Teams.
Power soccer
Power soccer is for players who use a power wheelchair, with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, quadriplegia or cerebral palsy. Teams play indoors on a basketball court. Players must be at least 5 for competition and able to handle their chair on their own. The U.S. Power Soccer Association lists teams by state and will help families start one if there isn't a team nearby. (USPSA)
Other adaptive programs
U.S. Soccer's directory also includes AYSO's EPIC program, USA Deaf Soccer, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, amputee soccer, Special Olympics, Down Syndrome Sports of America and the U.S. Dwarf Football Association. (U.S. Soccer)
How far it can go
In October 2026, the U.S. women's CP team won the World Cup, the men's CP team took silver and the power soccer team won bronze. Read more in Three U.S. Disability Soccer Teams Reach World Cup Podiums.
Keep Going
Additional Resources
Start with official TOPSoccer information, then explore related guides and broader efforts to make soccer more accessible.
Official TOPSoccer Resource
- US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Find official program information and guidance on connecting with local TOPSoccer clubs through your state association.
Related Guides
- Accessible & Affordable Soccer Explore inclusive programs, community options, and ways to find soccer that fits your child’s needs and your family’s budget.
Related Articles
- Three U.S. Teams on World Cup Podiums See how the U.S. CP and power soccer national teams reached the podium, and where young players can start.
- Innovate to Grow: School-Based Soccer Read about U.S. Soccer’s support for school- and community-based opportunities to play.
- Soccer Will: Expanding Access Explore the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s campaign to expand access through safe play spaces and coach-mentors.