Dear Past and Present Florida Revolution Soccer Club Members:
Florida Revolution Soccer Club (FRSC) is pleased to announce the start of our US Youth TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) Program in April of 2011, for 6 weeks. This is a free Program to children with mental and physical disabilities, ages 4-21. Such disabilities include: Down Syndrome, autism, Asperger Syndrome, and severe ADHD.
Some Board members had the opportunity to witness the Boca Raton, FL TOPSoccer Program at the FYSA AGM, as well as attending the Braden River TOPSoccer Program. We were touched by how the children were positively affected. What we experienced were smiles and laughter, a sense of accomplishment and their sense of belonging. Since there are 25,000 children (birth to 21) in Hillsborough County alone with disabilities, as well as us all having personal experiences with children with disabilities, the Board feels there is a tremendous need for this Program. Our vision is that all children be able to learn and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.
I am so proud to share with you that we already have commitments from 32 buddies (teenagers without disabilities who are willing to mentor the players for the length of the Program). Since this Program is free to all, we have been requesting grants, sponsorships, and donations from local and national businesses. Score has offered to sponsor t-shirts for all players and coaches. However, we still need sponsorships for the “Buddy” t-shirts, the rest of the players uniforms (shorts, socks, shinguards) and balls as well as pop-up goals and activity equipment. FRSC is providing trophies and has committed to helping out the Program as much as needed. Since we are a non-profit organization, our funds are limited to pay for this Program ourselves. Please find our donation form on our home page. We hope that you or someone you know can help us out even with the smallest donation whether it be financial or with any of the items needed. This may be used as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Forms can be placed in the mail-box (outside the office) in the field house to the attention of “TOPSoccer” or hand-delivered to Laurie Zimmer, Linda Hoard (Treasurer), or Rob Cowart (V.P. of Recreational). If you would like to remain anonymous that is fine. If not, we will add your name or your business name as a TOPSoccer supporter to our TOPSoccer webpage on our Florida Revolution website.
If you know of a player who would be interested in the Program, registration will be starting in February 2011. Please contact me at 813/465-2000 or e-mail me at topsoccer@flrevolution.com with any questions or if you need any additional information.
We truly appreciate anything you can do and thank you so much for your consideration.
With Much Appreciation,
Lauretta A. Zimmer
TOPSoccer Coordinator
Florida Revolution Soccer Club