US Youth Soccer’s TOPSOCCER Program Changes Lives
Khya Robinson, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its virtual celebration of the 34th Annual NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health today, officially announcing Yasmeen Ash of Piscataway Soccer Club as the 2021 NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year. As part of her acknowledgement, Ash participated in an exclusive interview with New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin.
Ash, a Piscataway Soccer Club Board Member, started a TOPSoccer Program with her club this past fall, organizing all of the elements necessary for its successful launch. She identified many eager TOPSoccer Buddies and a coach, arranged and advertised the program, secured an initial sponsorship and even printed awards that were presented to the players at the end of the fall season. Throughout this process, her primary focus remained on creating a fun and safe environment for the TOPSoccer participants and their families.
“I truly appreciate this honor from New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said Ash. “As a soccer mom who enjoys watching kids fall in love soccer, TOPSoccer has given me the joy of introducing soccer to the special needs community in Piscataway. My voice was heard within the Piscataway Soccer Club, and they fully supported me in this initiative. It has been an amazing experience for me, the players and their parents. I want to thank the Piscataway Soccer Club for helping to turn my vision into a reality! I am looking forward to the 2022 spring season.”
Ash comes from a soccer family, with both her sons having played soccer from a young age. She saw the impact that soccer had on her on sons and wanted to share that with other families. Her commitment to helping children enjoy the game is immense, and she has helped many families get their children involved in the game. Ash is a very worthy recipient of the 2021 Top Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award who remains committed to helping children have a safe space to play soccer.
TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement initiative for young players with special needs. The program also provides a curriculum to train coaches on how to provide fun and engaging soccer for those young players. The program, designed by US Youth Soccer, emphasizes player specific development, training, and meaningful participation rather than competition and results.
The virtual celebration of the NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health will continue over the coming weeks, with award winners being announced and featured in special video interviews. 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
