TOPSoccer Buddies are invaluable volunteers

TOPSoccer Buddies are invaluable volunteers who participate directly with individual players or within a team with several players to enable participation in a soccer activity. The TOPSoccer buddy is not a player and does not score goals. They help the TOPSoccer player succeed and keep them as safe as possible. TOPSoccer Buddies can be a same-aged peer, a teenager or an adult. They can be a soccer player, someone who works with special needs children or someone who has no soccer experience, but a strong desire to enable children to have fun. Some examples of the role of the buddy are:

The role of the buddy may include but not be limited to: • Enables player to participate/play • Assists/Creates/Directs/Guides/Teaches in a FUN but learning environment • Continuously monitor/assess the player • Role varies widely depending upon needs of the player • Interact with players, coaches, parents

Physical needs: • Create safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player • Create opportunities for play • Provide assistance as needed • Assist player to get into position to play

Cognitive needs: • Create safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player • Provide instruction directly during play • Model desired skill • Help to define the space and strategies

Behavioral needs: • Create safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player • Provide 1:1 assistance to model desired behaviors • Assist player to focus on the activity • Use a quiet time out as needed without being negative

Sensory needs: • Create safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player • Provide stability in an often chaotic environment • Guide and direct, often not touching player directly, but being near-by • Create space around the player • Allow for quiet time

Hearing needs: • Create safe playing situations by creating safety zones around the player • Show activity and environment • Ensure player understands instructions • Use touch/sign language/pictures to direct and guide • Direct the ball to the player for touches and contact

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Washington
• Youth
• Soccer
• TOPSoccer