Inclusive Sports Support Physical and Social Health for All Abilities

The benefits of youth sports are well documented. Beyond physical health, participating in sports also has a positive effect on mental, emotional and social wellbeing. For children with disabilities, finding an inclusive athletic activity can be a challenge. This fall, the Broken Arrow Soccer Club (BASC) will begin offering US Youth Soccer’s “TOPSoccer” (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a recreational soccer program created for children and young adults with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities.

Broken Arrow Soccer Club recently started a TOPSoccer program for children and young adults. Photo courtesy BASC/TOPSoccer

Katie Caillavet is a volunteer with BASC and the director of the TOPSoccer program.

“I have such a passion for it,” Caillavet says. “I just love seeing this inclusive environment being brought to Broken Arrow. There are so many children with special needs who need an opportunity like this and deserve an opportunity to learn to play the game and be a part of something like this.”

Caillavet emphasizes that the program is about more than just soccer.

“We want to provide this inclusive and safe environment, while also delivering a program that provides skills that could carry over into day-to-day life,” she says.

According to Caillavet, that includes social skills, teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence.

Each participant in the program is assigned a volunteer, a trained “Buddy” with whom they work individually. The Buddy makes sure his or her player-partner is safe, engaged, supported and having fun. Their partnership lasts throughout the course of a season, helping to develop strong interpersonal bonds and establish trust and confidence.

TOPSoccer coaches and administrators receive formal education and certification training through USYS. According to Caillavet, the coaches who work with the program have previous coaching experience, but the additional USYS training includes coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so that every player can participate. Players in the program are grouped by ability, rather than just age, which Caillavet says helps them develop skills at their own pace.

“We want to just spread the word to reach as many families as we possibly can to let them know they may be able to benefit from this program,” she says.

TOPSoccer registration is free for participants (ages 4 and up) and continues throughout the season. Cleats aren’t necessary, but shin guards are recommended. Participants receive a free T-shirt. Practices take place for an hour and a half on Saturday afternoons at Broken Arrow’s Indian Springs Sports Complex, but the program isn’t limited to Broken Arrow residents. For more information, contact Katie Caillavet at TOPSoccer@basoccer.club.

Julie Wenger Watson is a freelance writer who’s worked in all aspects of music promotion. She’s also Co-Director of “Live From Cain’s,” a public radio show pilot.