TOPSoccer Buddies

This is a great opportunity for teenagers and adults who love soccer and want to share their passion for the sport with children with special needs. Buddies should be at least 10 years old; we will pair up buddies and playersdepending on the ages of the special needs children in the program at the time.

Soccer Buddies:

  • Will work with the TOPSoccer players during each session
  • Must be patient and understanding
  • Need to attend buddy orientation
  • Be given a “buddy” tee shirt to wear at each game
  • Need to attend as many of the sessions as possible.
In the visually impaired games the buddy acts as the “eyes” for the player. The buddy is responsible for keeping the players from running into each other. In the special needs games the buddy will have a variety of responsibilities. You may be asked to work with a player that has a difficult time staying in the game. Some older and stronger buddies may be asked to push a wheelchair. The most important thing for a buddy is to help the players have fun.

Many of the players may never make it through the warm up and fun games phase. Many of the player just like the repetition and consistency of the same games each week. Each player will be measured at their own pace.

There will be a player profile on each of the players which has been filled out by a parent or guardian. These forms will have the likes and dislikes of the players. We will follow those profiles as much as possible to avoid conflict and stress on the players. They will be available at all times for viewing by the buddies.

By using the talents of dedicated coaches and volunteers, we provide the resources to allow each player, regardless of their abilities, to experience the joys that sports can offer.

Each Buddy is required to fill out the following forms:

Buddy Volunteer Form
Buddy Profile

For questions contact – Terri Epple, Program Coordinator
440-428-7981 or TOPSoccer@madisonsoccerleague.com