The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) recently hosted a TOPSoccer Festival in West Haven, bringing together players, families, volunteers and community supporters for an event filled with fun, inclusion and a love of the game.
“The 2025 TOPSoccer Festival was a great success due in part to the many volunteers who devoted their time and efforts,” said Dave Rodriguez, CJSA South Central District Vice President. “These volunteers also lead their club TOPSoccer programs each season, ensuring players have a place to play every weekend.”
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational program developed by US Youth Soccer for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. It provides a safe, fun and inclusive platform where players of all abilities can enjoy the game in a structured and supportive environment.
Soccer, Smiles and Celebration
The West Haven TOPSoccer Festival offered a variety of activities that kept players energized and engaged. From small-sided games and skills sessions to contests and parachute games, athletes had opportunities to showcase their abilities, build friendships and celebrate the joy of soccer together.
One of the highlights of the event was a parade on the West Haven High School track, where TOPSoccer players, coaches and volunteers walked side by side, greeted by cheers and applause from the community members in attendance. At the conclusion of the event, all athletes and volunteers were treated to a free lunch courtesy of the Town of West Haven.
View Photos from the West Haven TOPSoccer Festival
Community Partners Who Made It Possible
The West Haven TOPSoccer Festival was made possible through the efforts of many dedicated partners, including:
- West Haven Mayor Dorinda Keenan Borer and Her Staff
- West Haven High School’s Support Staff
- West Haven Soccer Club
- University of New Haven Men’s Soccer Program
- Students from Professor Wescott’s Adaptive Sports & Recreation Class at Quinnipiac University
- CJSA TOPSoccer Festival Team
Their commitment and collaboration helped create a welcoming environment that embodied the true spirit of TOPSoccer. Thanks to generous support from PRIME Hydration and DICK’S Sporting Goods, participants also went home with giveaways including a t-shirt, soccer ball and sports bottle as lasting reminders of the festival’s energy and camaraderie.
Interested in Getting Involved?
The Connecticut Junior State Association is currently seeking new partners to help grow TOPSoccer around the state and make the game more readily available to young athletes of all abilities. Any CJSA clubs that are interested in learning more about adding TOPSoccer to their club offerings can contact topsoccer@cjsa.org or email CJSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Bill Fallon directly at coachbill01@comcast.net. The program is fully supported by US Youth Soccer and the Connecticut Junior State Association.
To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!