Multimedia Journalist
Toby Mohr, from Sparta, is a multi-media journalist at News 18.
A soccer program in Eau Claire is filling a need for kids with special needs, and it’s growing fast.
EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – A soccer program in Eau Claire is filling a need for kids with special needs, and it’s growing fast.
“It allows us to just enjoy our child in a new way,” Terri Noel said.
Terri and Ned Noel brought TOPSoccer United We Play to Eau Claire last year to fill a need they saw in the community.
“We had a great inspiration with Miracle League here in the Chippewa Valley and seeing that it’s a sport that a lot of people love to play, and families enjoy bringing their kids to and volunteer opportunities, we wanted to duplicate that with other sports and soccer was a missing need,” Ned said.
TOPSoccer is a program for kids in kindergarten through high school with special needs. It’s a chance for kids of all abilities to play soccer, get active, and be themselves. Kids just like Ned and Terri’s son Micah.
“Micah, it’s very difficult for him to play a traditional sport,” Terri said. “It would be hard for him to follow rules and go through the expected steps, so he really needs an activity like this.”
Now in its second year in Eau Claire, the program has taken off, doubling in size from last year to more than 100 participants.
“Ned has donated a lot of time and energy, a lot, he’s really been passionate about this program,” Terri said. “So, I think it’s very fulfilling to see it come to life.”
Ned agrees.
“It’s very exciting to be able to pull this off and keep growing the program,” he said.
While TOPSoccer started as a community for kids, it has also become a community for parents.
“It’s nice having someone else who gets it,” said Andrea Hodges, whose son Brayden is in the program. “I think a lot of times as parents of kiddos with disabilities we get isolated, and I think just having the ability to connect with others, share our journey, share our resources, really helps other parents feel welcome and understood.”
Volunteers, or “buddies”, from high school, college, and club soccer programs are paired up with the kids and activities are organized by Eau Claire United coaches.
TOPSoccer is helping kids, parents, and the community one goal at a time.
“Eau Claire needs more of these,” Hodges said. “More of these opportunities for kids with different abilities to get out and be part of the community.”
“The more time people spend interacting with people with disabilities it just grows the awareness of our community,” Terri said.
The TOPSoccer season runs through Dec. 15. Registration is full for this season but click here for information about registering or volunteering.
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Multimedia Journalist
Toby Mohr, from Sparta, is a multi-media journalist at News 18.
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