TOPSoccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its inaugural Every Kick Counts event, a FootGolf fundraiser sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health, bringing together more than 50 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 a new 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 currently serves nearly 1,000 players across the state. The day was full of memorable moments, including a special appearance by Tab Ramos, former U.S. Men’s National Team captain, who joined players on the course, signed autographs, and posed for photos. 

“What matters is not the experience I had but the experience the kids had,” said Ramos. “Being out on the course, running around and kicking the ball into the holes was really exciting for them. It made my day, and I’m sure it was a special day for them as well.”

A Youth-Led Vision

The vision behind Every Kick Counts came from Zack Dabby, a high school student and passionate advocate for inclusive soccer. In 2020, Dabby started volunteering in a program called Challenger Sports. Like TOPSoccer, Challenger Sports is a program in which volunteers get paired up with a kid who has special needs. Together, the pair engage with peers, playing sports throughout the year, creating a bond between the two kids.

It was through Challenger Sports that Dabby met Jack Costantino. When they met, Jack was a 6^th grader with autism attending Howell North Middle School. Over the last four years, Dabby and Costantino built a special relationship, through Challenger Sports and spending time together outside of it. Through this event, Dabby brought together two very important and personal things, soccer and helping others. Over eight months, Dabby committed nearly 100 hours to organizing the event, from developing the logo and digital assets, to recruiting sponsors, managing the budget, and producing an Event Operations Guide.

“I had so much fun playing and helping the players enjoy the day,” said Dabby. “My hope is to grow this initiative and replicate it with other state associations across the country.”

Dabby collaborated closely with many individuals and professionals developing this program. The professionals with US FootGolf and US Youth Soccer helped Dabby develop the brand identity and educational materials for Every Kick Counts.  

Laura Balestrini, CEO of US FootGolf, added, “FootGolf’s inclusive nature makes it a perfect vehicle for awareness and connection. We’re honored to support Every Kick Counts.”

Dabby also worked with staff at NJ Youth Soccer to launch registration and donation platforms and led outreach efforts to the Challenger Sports program and TOPSoccer communities statewide.

Community at Its Core

Among the many supportive and smiling faces at the event was Jonathan Yee, NJYS TOPSoccer Chair, who helped champion this initiative. Yee served as a buddy and reflected on the event.

“Playing a round with brothers Noah and Tyler was so much fun! From birdies to Pokémon Go chats, the spirit of the day was incredible. I look forward to this event becoming a staple.”  

Constantino, a 16-year-old participant from Howell, shared “Every Kick Counts was really, really fun. The best part was kicking the ball really high. I got to run like Saquon Barkley!” 

Jack’s mother, Michelle Constantino, added “This event was phenomenal. It brought players and buddies together in a beautiful way. The connection between Zack and Jack, two young people learning from each other, was powerful.”

Sponsor Support & Community Partnerships

The event was made possible by generous contributions from sponsors and donors. RWJBarnabas Health served as the title sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, community-driven health and recreation. 

“It was inspiring to 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.”  

Bill Ross, East Regional Representative for US Youth Soccer, emphasized the broader potential.

“The event was wonderful,” he stated, “I’d love to see this blueprint shared nationally, both for the impact on the program and the joy it brings to the players.”  

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) and SCORE Sports. Hole sponsors included WeDo and Toyota. Donations and in-kind support were provided by Wegmans (food and snacks), MLS GO and the NYNJ World Cup Host Committee (t-shirts), PRIME (beverages), Print2Go (signage), Central Jersey Pools and Gotham FC.

To keep up with the latest information from Every Kick Counts, make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted a TOPSoccer Jamboree at the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams in collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health and Toms River FC. The purpose of the event, and the overall goal of TOPSoccer, is to give players with disabilities an opportunity to develop physical fitness, technical skills, courage and self-esteem through the game of soccer.

The turnout was great for the TOPSoccer Jamboree, which consisted of TOPSoccer training for players, along with a gathering for volunteer buddies and coaches who helped with activities. Volunteers first gathered in the morning to learn how to contribute to TOPSoccer training in their own organization before the youth player participants joined in the afternoon for a celebration full of soccer activities.

“It was a privilege to host a NJYS TOPSoccer Jamboree at the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams, a one-of-a-kind, inclusive recreational complex created for the disability community,” said Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President Corporate Partnerships, RWJBarnabas Health. “This program aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusion and supporting community-based initiatives, and it was incredibly rewarding to work with NJ Youth Soccer and Toms River FC at such a meaningful event.”

TOPSoccer emphasizes development and training over competition, helping athletes to develop at their own pace and participate based on their individual abilities. The Toms River FC TOPSoccer Program is spearheaded by Vincent Guardino and Donna King, and it is one of the largest in the state.

“The two-hour session on a beautiful spring afternoon was well attended by players, buddies and coaches,” said Lou Mignone, NJYS TOPSoccer Director. “Participants enjoyed a variety of safe, fun and engaging activities that emphasized skill building, positive team dynamics and exercise wellness. Festive music was also part of the exciting experience. The morning of the event featured free in-person TOPSoccer Coach and Buddy Courses, and the evening prior offered the same free training within a virtual format.”

The event featured a special guest in Pete Bussa, who is a US Youth Soccer East Region TOPSoccer Committee Member.

“Lou ran an awesome practice. He had all the players involved all the time, and the Buddies were equally involved with their players,” said Bussa. “I especially liked having the music playing. Every now and again, I would catch players throw in a little dance move as they played. Vinnie and Toms River FC could not have been a more gracious host. The whole day was the essence of what TOPSoccer is all about. It is not all about soccer, but we can do it through soccer. I tell new coaches all the time, ‘if we send these kids home with rosy cheeks and a smile on their face, it has been a great day!’”

This NJYS TOPSoccer Jamboree was made possible with support and donations from RWJBarnabas Health, Hudl, Wilson Trophy and Jersey Mike’s, along with additional giveaways from the sponsors of the Toms River FC TOPSoccer Program.

To become a recognized NJYS TOPSoccer Program, a minimum of five players with disabilities must be registered. Also, a minimum of one TOPSoccer Coach needs to complete a four-hour TOPSoccer Coach Course, and at least one TOPSoccer Buddy needs to successfully complete a two-hour TOPSoccer Buddy Course. These courses help train Buddies and Coaches on how to make TOPSoccer Programs a fun, safe and inclusive experience. Emphasis is placed on effective communication strategies, problem-solving and successfully guiding players.

If you are interested in starting a TOPSoccer Program at your club or community organization, we encourage you to contact Coach Lou Mignone at lou@njyouthsoccer.com.

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Diane Cruz of Cranford Soccer Club as the NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as the NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year,” said Cruz. “I want to thank NJYS, RWJBarnabas Health, Cranford Soccer Club and the Cranford community for all their support of this program. My goal when bringing TOPSoccer to our community was to create more inclusivity through soccer, but we have achieved so much more. This award is a celebration of the collective efforts of our community in fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the joy of participation and belonging.”

Diane Cruz has been an integral member of the Cranford Soccer Club Board for more than 10 years. She led efforts to bring TOPSoccer to Cranford and has run a very successful program. She was heavily involved in the program’s logistical implementation into the Cranford Soccer Club framework, and she also obtained grants for the program, doing all of this work as a non-compensated volunteer. Since its launch, the focus of the program has been on the athlete experience, encouraging the development of social skills and teamwork while modeling perseverance and instilling confidence in the participants.

Her mission when starting TOPSoccer at Cranford Soccer Club was to provide a soccer experience for kids with disabilities that was similar to what every athlete receives from the club. This included new equipment, paid professional trainers and full uniform kits with their names on them. Her thoughtful selection of athlete “Buddies” and coaches grouped by interest level and ability, as well as refereeing games herself, have all contributed to the success of the program. In her years as Director of TOPSoccer at Cranford Soccer Club, Cruz has been to nearly all monthly Board Meetings to ensure that TOPSoccer was represented and had a “seat at the table.”

Soccer is a passion throughout the Cruz family, and Diane has two children who play for Cranford Soccer Club, including one son who is both a player and certified referee. As a teacher for Cranford Public Schools, Cruz has always put the needs of others before her own, and she is an established mentor of young children in the Cranford community.

In addition to a plaque to commemorate her achievement, Cruz was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer, that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. She also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to her personalized video.

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer