This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/04/2016 12:00 AMWhen Jodi Azzinaro was serving as the registrar for Valley Soccer Club (VSC) six years ago, the president of the club suggested starting a TOPSoccer program. According to www.valleysoccerclub.com, TOPSoccer is “a non-competitive community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities.” The program is open to children aged 4 to 14 throughout the shoreline area. Because Jodi had recently been involved in starting a Challenger Baseball Program with Essex Little League, she knew what kind of impact this program could have, and so Jodi and the president started it up together.
“Soccer lends itself more than baseball for some kids because you can move more,” says Jodi. “We also had a very strong soccer club, so it was easy to support.”
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CTJSA) oversees TOPSoccer, which is a national program, throughout the state. There are now nearly 20 programs in Connecticut and Valley Soccer Club’s is one of the larger ones.
Recently, Jodi was named a Hometown Hero finalist for her work with TOPSoccer. Jodi won a $250 Westfield by American Express gift card and concert tickets of her choice at the XFINITY Theatre. She and the other finalists were honored at Westfield Meriden on Oct. 22.
“It’s not about me. I was really happy that the program got recognition because CTJSA is really trying to inspire other clubs to embrace this and begin a TOPSoccer program in their clubs,” Jodi says. “These kids come out and work hard every Saturday. It is harder for them because they have to learn more than just the basic skills. I also have to stress how proud we should be of the youth in our community who volunteer.”
When the Valley Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer program was being formed, Jodi notes it was set up so that the student leaders had to play a large role. There are about 10 adults and 10 student leaders involved. The student leaders are responsible for everything from finding program sponsorships to field setup and curriculum to T-shirt design to checking in the athletes.
The student leaders—who hail from the Valley area, as well as surrounding towns such as Old Saybrook and Westbrook—and the adult volunteers begin the registration process in the spring. Flyers are distributed to special education departments in Essex, Chester, Deep River, East Haddam, Haddam, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Madison, and East Lyme, among other towns.
“Our objective was to create a format for the kids to be able to learn some leadership skills in a positive, giving way,” says Jodi, who is an occupational therapist. “Until Madison recently started its own program, we were the only program in the Southeast District, so we get kids from farther away than most programs.”
The TOPSoccer season begins after Labor Day and runs for the next eight Saturdays. The fields are separated by ability level and there are modified fields for those who need special accommodations. Each player has a “buddy” who helps them with the rules and learning the game. Jodi says that the buddies don’t necessarily need to be soccer players in order to volunteer.
“We just have a great time,” says Jodi, who thanks coach Steve Tolley for his time and dedication to TOPSoccer. “As we move on in the season, we challenge them more and we have games with the buddies and players together. By the end of the season, a great majority of them are playing soccer, which is really nice.”
Jodi has two children, a 17-year-old son Jacob, who plays soccer at Valley Regional; and a 12-year-old daughter Jordan, who plays soccer and dances. Jacob was recently selected as TOPSoccer’s Buddy of the Year after being nominated by his peers. Watching her children participate in sports and activities inspired Jodi to get involved with TOPSoccer.
“I love to watch my kids play because they have such joy with whatever sport they’re playing,” Jodi says. “As a parent, seeing that is the greatest feeling. Some of these families didn’t get that opportunity, so it’s our gift to them.”
While Jodi knows the joy a parent can feel by watching their children play sports, she’s also seen many volunteers gain fulfillment through their roles. Some have been so inspired by working with the program that they’ve gone on to study special education, occupational therapy, or other related fields. Morgan Bakoledis, who is a senior at Valley Regional, has been named Buddy of the Year for her contributions to the program. She’s raised more than $1,200 in sponsorships for VSC’s TOPSoccer program.
“The buddies learn so much more about differences, tolerance, and acceptance that goes far beyond the soccer field,” says Jodi. “It’s about making connections and they feel empowered to make a positive contribution. We have a lot of really great kids—some who play soccer and some who don’t—who are happy and willing to give up their time to share their joy of the sport.”
Students can become buddies starting in the 7th grade. The current group of around 20 buddies who are now seniors have been with the VSC’s TOPSoccer since its inception. With approximately one quarter of the program’s 80 volunteers moving on to college, Jodi is hoping that even more students step up to continue the program’s success.
“We need to feed this program with more volunteers at the younger grades,” says Jodi. “The work that our high school and junior high school students are doing is just inspiring and we really need the younger kids to get involved at this point.”
Jodi feels that programs like TOPSoccer are important to the community not only because they inspire people to get involved, but also because they display the talent of local athletes beyond the field.
“Programs like this are where we can showcase what our athletic kids are doing for the community and show what sports have done for them—that they’re willing to give back to other children,” says Jodi. “It’s all about creating a community that’s connected. It’s not just about playing soccer. I wish more people would recognize the value of our athletic programs.”