Top Soccer
The Tennessee State Soccer Association is looking to expand TOPSoccer in Tennessee. Tennessee Soccer has over 40,000 members registered to its over 100 member associations statewide. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. If you have any further questions feel free to contact, Ken Bernhardt or Jose Fernandez
What is TOPSoccer?
TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program, is a community based training program for young athletes with special needs. Basically, it's soccer playing/training opportunities for young athletes with special needs.
Who is eligible?
Any boy or girl, age 8-19, who has a physical or mental disability.
Where are the existing programs?
Currently, we have five programs in our state. If you are interested in TOPSoccer and you live in Memphis, Chattanooga or Nashville contact the following people. In Memphis area, contact: Bob Caulk (H. 901-854-8724-- W.901-853-3941) In the Nashville area, contact: Ken Bernhardt or Jose Fernandez In the Chattanooga area, contact TOPSoccer@redoubtsoccer.com
What if I live outside those areas?
We are looking to put the special needs community in touch with our existing members to help grow TOPSoccer in our state. So, please contact Jose Fernandez (H.615-771-2834-W.615-771-9577) if you are interested in TOPSoccer in your area
What does it cost?
Costs will vary, but they are kept to a minimum. Registration fees begin at $8.00 per player and uniforms and gear is reasonably priced.
What kind of commitment is required?
A typical season is about 8 weeks long in the spring or fall. Each session is about 1 hour of fun filled soccer related games and activities.
Is it safe?
Yes. With volunteers and "soccer buddies" there are sometimes a 1:1 ratio of players to non-players.
Is it fun?
OH YES!! The potential for the program to have a fulfilling impact on the lives of disabled and non-disabled children and adults is immeasurable, but proven every time our existing TOPSoccer programs meet. Children who have never before been included in sports in a compassionate, non-judgmental way find out that they have skills they have never dreamed of. The learn values such as teamwork, sharing, friendship, and problem solving all with renewed confidence.
How to contact us?
If you have any questions about the program and want to ask your local TOPSoccer representative, below you will find their names and phone numbers. East TN - Russ Hickman 423-378-5027, Lloyd Herlong 423-378-4727 and Teresa Fulweiler 423-348-6323
Chattanooga Area - Redoubt TOPSoccer
Knoxville/Maryville area: Kathy Mcgee 865-977-1069 Hendersonville/Nashville area: Ken Bernhardt Home: 615-746-3503, Work: 615-532-0265. We are looking to put the special needs community in touch with our existing members to help grow TOPSoccer in our state. So, please contact Jose Fernandez Home: 615-771-2834, Work: 615-771-9577 if you are interested in TOPSoccer in your area
