TOPSoccer: using the buddy system - US Youth Soccer

TOPSoccerUsing The Buddy SystemAuke WiersmaTOPSoccer Chair Region Ihusp11@hotmail.com(201) 362-7164

Who is a TOPSoccer Buddy?• Facilitator• Participates with TOPSoccer players intraining and matches• Buddies can be teenagers or adults• Buddies can be anyone who desires toenable TOPSoccer players to be successfuland to have FUN!

Buddy Recruitment• Local High Schools• Community Colleges• Universities• Older Club Teams• Other Special Needs Programs• Scouts/Religious Groups/CommunityService Organizations/YMCA/Boys’ andGirls’ Clubs

Buddy Recruitment• Friends of current Buddies• Volunteer Fairs• Siblings of Players• Local Youth GroupAsk Everyone!

The Role of the Buddy– Create opportunities for the player to be successful– Assist in a FUN and safe learning environment– Buddy doesn’t need to be on the field all the time. Letthe players go on their own when possible.– Mirror Play

The Role of the Buddy• Player Safety• Be aware of safety zones around the player• Interact with coaches and/or parents concerning likes/dislikes of theplayer• Continuously monitor the player for:– Fatigue– Frustration/melt-downs– Water breaks

The Role of the BuddyThe Buddy Can:• Guide the player to the ball• Position the ball for the player• Stop a ball from going out of bounds• Shield around the player

The Role of the Buddy* Assist the player getting * Create opportunities for play:into position to play• Safety zone especially for: - Ball retrieval and control- Crutches - Keep the ball close to the- Walkers player- Wheelchairs - Balance

Buddy Role for Hearing Impaired– Safety awareness– Demonstrate the activity– Ensure the player understands instructions– Use touch, sign language or pictures to guide– Direct the ball to the player for contact and touches

Buddy Role for players withwalker or wheelchair– Push the wheelchair for participation if necessary– Check on walker or wheelchair safety (equipmentcheck)– Safety awareness• Field surface• Environment– Create opportunity for walker or wheelchairplayer to participate• Keep ball close to “feed” the player• Ball retrieval

Buddy Role for visuallyimpaired players– Describe the activity and environment– May provide a balance and mobility role with theplayer by holding the Buddy’s forearm– Use voice, hands and arms to guide– Direct the ball to the player for participation– Safety awareness• Field surface• Environment

Buddy Role for playerswith cognitive needs• Model desired skill• Provide instruction directly during play• Help define the space and “strategies”– “We are the blue team.”– “We are going in this direction.”– “This is how we stop the ball.”

Buddy Role players withBehavioral/Sensory Needsor Attention Issues• Provide 1:1 assistance to model behaviors• Assist the player to focus on the activity• Use a quiet “time out” as needed without being negative• Mirror Play or create space around the player• Provide stability in a chaotic environment• Guide and direct, often not touching the player directly,but being in close proximity

The TOPSoccer Buddy• The TOPSoccer Buddy does not score goals!The purpose of the Buddy is to assist the TOPSoccerplayers, not to participate as players themselves!

How to keep the buddies involved?• Buddies must feel what they are doing ishelpful and important• Recognize accomplishment• Allow them to attend at their convenience,but make them aware of consistency• Be flexible

How to keep the buddies involved?• Coach (Field Marshal) instructs the Buddy prior to thetraining session• Safety for the Buddy:*Risk Management*Education*Relax, smile and have FUN• Give Buddies awards, certificates and recognition for theirparticipation• Thank Buddies at the end of the season

Reason for becoming a Buddy“I love kids in general and when I am older I actually hope to be involved with them in a future career Imay take part in. When I hear it was disabled kids, it also interested me because I knew it would be agood learning experience and something that I could take away from. I also thought that I could helpthem in whatever way possible and try to let them have some fun. Another thing was that it had to dowith soccer which is another activity that I do and am interested in. Overall it sounded like a greatlearning experience and a fun time. That is why I would like to be a Buddy for TOPSoccer!” -KimLindquist“I chose to become a TOPSoccer Buddy because I love to coach soccer, and I enjoy teaching kids how toplay and learn about soccer. I have a great passion for the game, and I would love to be there forsomeone in need of teaching, and helping them have fun while learning the game. I would also like toget involved in coaching one day in the future, and I feel like this would be a productive step to thatgoal.” -Tim DiBisceglie"I wanted to give back to other kids the same fun experience I've had playing sports and feeling goodabout being on a team.” -Brendan Lawlor"I've love playing on different sports teams and making friends and I wanted these kids to have the samegreat experience.“ -Gillian Lawlor

Remember that we all have disabilities, insome of us they show!

Questions?

References• Dr. Marianne Torbert– Temple University• The Football Association– Football Development Programme – CoachingDisabled Footballers• US Youth Soccer – The Novice Coach• The US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Committee• The Outreach Program for Soccer– Program Manual