New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) recently hosted its second annual Every Kick Counts event, a FootGolf fundraiser sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health, bringing together 40 players, families, and volunteers to support the NJYS TOPSoccer Program. Held at the Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall Township, the event celebrated inclusion, community, and fun through FootGolf — a blend of soccer and golf — for players with disabilities.
Every Kick Counts is an NJYS initiative created to raise funds and awareness for TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with mental or physical disabilities. The program was founded by Zack Dabby, a high school student and passionate advocate for inclusive soccer. In creating Every Kick Counts, Dabby was inspired by his time volunteering for Challenger Sports and the friends he made from it, like Jack Costantino.
With player participation and donation support continuing to grow, the initiative will soon expand to Connecticut, Virginia, and Massachusetts in the year ahead.
This year, New Jersey native Tab Ramos was named the official Every Kick Counts Ambassador. The former U.S. Men’s National Team captain attended the event and spoke about its importance.
“Soccer has an incredible ability to bring people together, and Every Kick Counts captures that spirit in a very special way,” Ramos said. “The joy and enthusiasm of the players are what make this event so meaningful. I am honored to support Zack’s vision and help grow an initiative that gives more athletes with special needs the opportunity to play and connect with our soccer community.”
Community at Its Core
This year’s event created memorable moments on and off the course, as spectators and participants alike came together to celebrate the joy of the game and the connections that make Every Kick Counts so meaningful.
“I have participated in Every Kick Counts two times now, and it is so FUN!” said Jack Costantino. “I love spending time with my friends playing FootGolf. I look forward to it every summer now. I am so happy my buddy Zack created this. It is one of the best days of summer!”
Jack’s mother, Michelle Constantino, also shared her gratitude for the initiative of Zack Dabby and Every Kick Counts.
“As an autism mom, I am so thankful and touched by the creation of Every Kick Counts,” she added. “My son, Jack, has benefited so much from his friendship with the creator, Zack. Every Kick Counts encompasses all the good things that can flourish when you provide inclusion for individuals with special needs. Zack has created something truly special, and I am excited to watch it grow so others can experience all the positivity that comes from buddying up with a special‑needs individual.”
Among the many supportive and smiling faces at the event was Bill Smith, NJYS President, who helped champion this initiative.
“Every Kick Counts reflects the very best of New Jersey Youth Soccer—young people taking the lead, communities coming together and the game creating opportunities for everyone,” he said. “Zack’s vision and commitment have transformed a personal friendship into a growing initiative that supports players with disabilities and strengthens our TOPSoccer community. We are incredibly proud to support his leadership and help build an event that can make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
Sponsor Support and Community Partnerships
The event was made possible by generous contributions from sponsors and donors. RWJBarnabas Health continued to serve as the title sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, community-driven health and recreation.
“It was inspiring to again see so many kids with special health care needs participating in such a fun, meaningful event,” said Justin Edelman, SVP of External Communications & Corporate Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health. “TOPSoccer aligns perfectly with our mission of compassionate care and inclusive opportunity.”
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws leaned into this local opportunity and generously donated a free ticket to each player and volunteer in attendance. In addition, Buster, the BlueClaws mascot, entertained the participants as they arrived for check-in and also joined the action on the course.
Monmouth County Parks System was also a key partner in hosting the event, with supportive and welcoming staff who helped ensure its success.
Sponsors and Donors
In addition to RWJBarnabas Health, event sponsors included the New York Red Bulls, Ray Catena Auto Group (Lexus, Audi, Mercedes), Johnson & Johnson, Vin Gopal Foundation and Freehold Elks Club. Hole sponsors included Bank of America, JAG Physical Therapy, WeDo, Toyota and Chick-fil-A. Donations and in-kind support were provided by Wegmans (food and snacks), MLS GO and the NYNJ World Cup Host Committee (scarves), PRIME (beverages) and Printing2Go (signage).
To keep up with the latest information from Every Kick Counts, make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer