TOP Soccer excitement at Richard Rollins Park

   Richard Rollins Park was alive with anticipation on a mid November evening as two youth soccer teams warmed up on the field.  The sidelines were lined with friends and parents, cameras were out, and there was a noticeably upbeat vibe about the park. This had the feel of a late season division championship game, but for one important distinction.  Some of the athletes on the field were in wheelchairs, one young man walked with the aid of a walker, and some required the assistance of a “buddy” to guide them around the field.  So yes, this was a definite championship game…but a championship of a different sort.  This was a championship of the spirit, a championship of effort, and a championship of caring.  This was TOPSoccer, and the Yucaipa Super Stars were in town to face the Grand Terrace Dynamite in the first official soccer game for the new Grand Terrace program.
   

Sounds of laughter and joy reverberated across the park as Grand Terrace Coaches Richard Irwin, Ryan Sanft, Flora Sanft, Cheri Freund and Robert Martin guided the athletes through the 45 minute game with the assistance of young helpers ("buddies"), and the Yucaipa coaches.
   

As outlined in Cal South literature, TOPSoccer (which stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based soccer program for young athletes with physical and mental disabilities. The intention of the program is to provide a safe and fun environment in which to participate in organized sports. The athletes compete with athletes of similar skill and abilities. Any player, age 4 and up, who possesses a physical or mental disability that limits their ability is eligible for the program. The emphasis of this program is on development, training, and providing meaningful participation, rather than on competition. TOPSoccer's goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the soccer community.
   

The idea for a Grand Terrace special needs soccer program is something that caught Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club (GTCSC) Director of Coaches Richard Irwin’s interest while he attended a meeting offered by the Cal South soccer governing body a couple years ago. His desire to work with these special athletes is based upon his past experiences and friendships with children facing similar lifelong challenges. “This is where we should be focusing our energy,” said Irwin.  He also shared that, “In all my years coaching soccer, the commissioner’s cup tournaments, and the all-star teams, this is by far the most meaningful thing I have ever done.”  Irwin shared stories of parents in tears of joy at the sight of their child athlete on the field at the first Dynamite practices.  Irwin also wishes to pass along his profound thanks to all the volunteers, parents, and especially to the athletes who make the program function.

For additional information volunteer opportunities or to sign up a player on the Grand Terrace Dynamite, check the soccer website at gtsoccer.org or call Brian Reinarz at (909) 904-1273.