By Jason Woodall January 15, 2025
Vestavia Hills Soccer Club partners with STRIVE Birmingham as the 2025 Community Non-Profit Partner. STRIVE, a national leader in workforce development, empowers individuals 18+ with free career training and support, bridging the skills and opportunity gaps for life-changing success. Discover how VHSC and STRIVE work together to empower graduating seniors and strengthen our community.

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TOPSoccer

Empowering Kids with Special Needs Through Soccer

What is TOPSoccer?

The TOPSoccer Program at Vestavia Hills Soccer Club is a unique soccer initiative dedicated to children with special needs, creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where every player can thrive. Open to boys and girls aged U4–U19 with any physical or mental disability, TOPSoccer focuses on fostering physical, mental, and emotional growth through the beautiful game.


Program Highlights and Benefits


  • Individualized Support: Every player is paired with a Sidekick Volunteer who provides personalized guidance, encouragement, and friendship, helping build confidence and trust.
  • Tailored Experience: Groups are formed based on the specific needs of each player rather than strictly by age, ensuring every child feels comfortable and engaged.
  • Social and Emotional Growth: The program encourages teamwork, communication, and social interaction, building valuable life skills both on and off the field.
  • Community Impact: TOPSoccer is more than just a program; it’s a community effort that brings people together to support and celebrate children of all abilities.


Be part of a program that transforms lives and spreads the joy of soccer—one player, one Sidekick, and one goal at a time. Join us today!

The TOPSoccer Program at Vestavia Hills Soccer Club is much more than a soccer initiative—it’s a program that creates meaningful impact for both players and volunteers.


For children with special needs, it provides a safe and inclusive space where they can experience the joy of soccer, build confidence, develop essential life skills, and feel celebrated for their unique abilities. Through personalized support from Sidekick Volunteers, players form lasting friendships, improve physical coordination, and gain a sense of achievement and belonging.


For volunteers, the program offers an equally transformative experience. By dedicating their time and energy, volunteers become a vital source of encouragement and support for the players. They witness firsthand the growth, joy, and confidence the children gain, which is both fulfilling and inspiring. Volunteering with TOPSoccer fosters empathy, community connection, and a deep sense of purpose, leaving a lasting impact on both the players and the volunteers.


Together, the TOPSoccer Program strengthens bonds within the community, proving that soccer is a game for everyone and that its power extends far beyond the field.

Why Join TOPSoccer?

TOPSoccer Program Details

The TOPSoccer Program is uniquely designed to support the individual needs of each player, providing a tailored and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and have fun. By focusing on the specific abilities of each participant rather than their age, we ensure that every child feels comfortable, engaged, and celebrated for who they are.


Players receive one-on-one support from Sidekick Volunteers, who offer encouragement, guidance, and friendship. This personalized attention builds confidence, enhances skills, and fosters social connections in a safe, inclusive environment. It’s more than soccer—it’s a program that helps each child shine.


Spring 2025 TOPSoccer Program Details



  • Dates:
  • April 6, 2025
  • April 13, 2025
  • April 27, 2025
  • May 4, 2025

TOPSoccer Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Sidekicks, each paired with a TOPSoccer player. Sidekick Volunteers play a vital role in the success of our TOPSoccer Program by providing personalized support, encouragement, and friendship to each player. Their dedication helps children with special needs build confidence, develop skills, and experience the joy of soccer in a positive and inclusive environment.


For our youth volunteers, being a Sidekick is more than just giving back—it’s an opportunity for personal growth. Volunteers often describe the experience as inspiring and fulfilling, as they build meaningful connections, develop empathy, and see the incredible impact of their efforts firsthand. Sidekicks not only help change the lives of the players but also gain valuable life skills and unforgettable memories along the way.


Sidekick Requirements:


  • Must be 12 years of age or older.
  • Open to able-bodied players, parents, or siblings who want to make a difference.
  • Must commit to attending all scheduled sessions to provide consistent support to their assigned player.