Boca's TOPSoccer Program Could Become a National Model

Created 01/12/2011 - 15:51

Giving back to a larger community

By Cynthia Thuma SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

January 8--The Soccer Association of Boca Raton's TOPSoccer program [1], part of the U.S. Youth Soccer's [2] national outreach program for special-needs youth, has a strong state and national reputation.

Now the local program has been asked to provide details for U.S. Youth Soccer regarding how such a successful program began, as well as outlining how to start such a venture in communities around the nation.

Continued from Page One

The program has turned to its coaches and other volunteers to come up with video and editorial expertise. The group plans to produce a manual of about 100 pages and several short videos.

The groups will work under the direction of Earl Starkoff, the past president of SABR [3], through mid-April to complete the project. Starkoff, a community activist, has both marketing and publications experience.

"With Earl's background, that has made all the difference," said Susan Vogelgesang, a TOPSoccer administrator and the newest member of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. "It's a big project, but if anyone can do it, SABR can. This is really a neat situation."

The game plan is to include the essentials of setting up a TOPSoccer program, fundraising for new clubs, the special roles of the volunteer coaches and buddies, and game-day practices. Much of the video footage will be shot during SABR's TOPSoccer season, which begins Jan. 15.

Cynthia Thuma can be reached at cindythuma@ yahoo.com.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

Mr. Starkoff is Co-Publisher of SouthFloridaSunrise.com, and serves a volunteer at the Soccer Association of Boca Raton. He also is a Commissioner of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.

-2

Source URL: http://www.southfloridasunrise.com/article/bocas-topsoccer-program-could-become-national-model-0

Cost of Autism