Fourth Annual TOPSoccer Festival with the Tampa Bay Rowdies: A Spectacular Success
The Fourth Annual TOPSoccer Festival, hosted in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, brought joy, excitement, and community to athletes of all abilities. This year’s event, held at the Rowdies Training Facility, marked a significant milestone with participants, coaches, and volunteers coming together to celebrate the spirit of inclusion through the beautiful game.
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based program designed to provide opportunities for athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities. The annual festival has become a cornerstone event, showcasing how the power of soccer can bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.
A Special Year for TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer State Chairperson, Jenn DiTillio, reflected on the event’s success, sharing, “This year’s TOPSoccer Festival was something really special. Coaches from all over the state came together to make it an unforgettable experience. We added some fun new stations, and I’m thrilled to share that half of the attendees were experiencing TOPSoccer for the very first time! A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped out – your support made all the difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you!”
The festival featured a variety of interactive stations, skill challenges, and small-sided games designed to engage athletes in a supportive and inclusive environment. New stations introduced this year brought added excitement and creativity, allowing participants to explore different aspects of the game while having fun.
Building Community, Changing Lives
One of the festival’s most remarkable highlights was its ability to welcome first-time participants. For many families, this was their first opportunity to experience the camaraderie and joy that TOPSoccer offers. The festival not only gave young athletes a chance to play but also helped parents and caregivers connect with the wider soccer community.
Coaches and volunteers traveled from all over Florida to make the day a success. Their dedication to creating an inclusive environment ensured every participant felt encouraged and celebrated. From warm-up drills to goal celebrations, smiles were in abundance as athletes bonded over their shared love for the game.
Partnering with the Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have been instrumental in supporting TOPSoccer’s mission, providing their world-class facilities and fostering a sense of pride for all involved. The partnership reflects the Rowdies’ commitment to making soccer accessible to everyone, reinforcing the values of teamwork, inclusion, and community.
Looking Ahead
The Fourth Annual TOPSoccer Festival served as an inspiring reminder of the impact soccer can have on people’s lives. As the program continues to grow, events like this festival highlight the importance of creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to learn, play, and thrive.
For families and volunteers alike, the memories created at this year’s festival will last a lifetime. As Jenn DiTillio expressed, it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from volunteers, coaches, and the soccer community.
Here’s to another successful year for TOPSoccer and the continued growth of inclusive soccer programs across Florida!
