Getting a Kick Out of TOPSoccer

There have been just two sessions of TOPSoccer held thus far, but the 15 children enlisted in the program are already getting a big kick out of it.

The young strikers met for the second time at Greis Park last Saturday.

"The event went fantastic," said Pat McDermott, director of the Lynbrook Recreation Department, which has organized TOPSoccer along with the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Soccer League. "The parents loved it, the kids had a great time. It was a fun time by everybody."

TOPSoccer — "TOP" stands for Total Outreach Program — is something of a soccer clinic for children with disabilities. The program is geared toward helping the children gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, as they realize that they may be capable of things they never thought possible.

Guy Punzi, president of the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Soccer League, said he's seen the children's transformation firsthand.

"The kids have been, at our first meeting, a little apprehensive, but within a few minutes they were coming out of their shell and the next thing you knew, they didn't want to go home," Punzi said.

Members of the Lynbrook High School girls varsity soccer team are volunteering their time to the program, serving as both mentors and trainers for the young strikers.

"They don't have any particular training," Punzi said. They just have patience, the appeal. They build trust. That's been the success — the volunteers are really doing well."

On Saturday, the volunteers were playing a simple passing game with the children, kicking the ball to one another. But for the young players, it opened a whole new world.

The children are already starting to develop friendships with their fellow players and mentors.

"Interestingly enough, children with disabilities … they tend to build friendships even though they are different ages and different sizes," Punzi explained. "The fact that they're not competitive, things tend to turn out a lot better."

Punzi said he encourages parents to bring their children and come check the program, held every Saturday at 4 p.m. at . They have nothing to lose, he said.

"If you come down and they don't like it, there's no obligation," he said. "It's an opportunity for kids to get outdoors, get a little usual activity with minimal stress."

There is no cost for this program, which is run under the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Soccer League. The program is also in need of additional volunteers. For more information, visit the league's website at www.lersoccer.com