This past weekend in West Haven, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) hosted its annual TOPSoccer Festival at West Haven High School’s Ken Strong Stadium. Players, families, volunteers, and community partners all came together for two hours of inclusive soccer, and what unfolded was the kind of fun atmosphere the program was built to create.
“Our TOPSoccer Festival is truly one of the most rewarding events CJSA hosts each year,” said Josh Krusewski, CJSA Executive Director. “Seeing the smiles, excitement, and joy on the faces of our athletes reminds us what this beautiful game is all about. A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, the student-athletes from Southern Connecticut State University Women’s Soccer and the University of New Haven Men’s Soccer, and DICK’S Sporting Goods for helping make this special day possible.”
A Morning to Remember
From its opening whistle, the TOPSoccer Festival came alive with activity throughout the morning. Athletes took part in skills sessions, games, and contests on the field, with dedicated buddies and volunteers alongside every participant to ensure each player had a meaningful and supported experience. The energy throughout the stadium was infectious from start to finish.
Off the field, players and families enjoyed interactive activities including parachute games and carnival-style stations, keeping the festive atmosphere going throughout the event. A ceremony recognizing participants capped off the morning, sending players home with items to remember the day by. All players and volunteers also received lunch after the event courtesy of the City of West Haven.
A True Community Effort
The 2026 CJSA TOPSoccer Festival was truly a community-wide effort. The Southern Connecticut State University Women’s Soccer and the University of New Haven Men’s Soccer teams volunteered as buddies, while West Haven Police Department and West Haven Fire Department officers were on-site and actively engaged with participants throughout the morning.
West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer also attended the event, a visible reminder of the broad support the festival draws from across the city. Dillon, the Hartford Athletic mascot, made an appearance as well, adding to the celebratory atmosphere for players and families alike. DICK’S Sporting Goods also supported the event, helping make the morning a festive and memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
About TOPSoccer: Inclusive Soccer for Young Athletes of All Abilities
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Through modified training sessions and gameplay, TOPSoccer meets participants where they are, with an emphasis on learning, teamwork, confidence building, and the joy of the game.
The program is fully supported by CJSA and reflects the State Association’s broader commitment to making soccer accessible to every young athlete in Connecticut, regardless of ability.
Bring TOPSoccer to Your Club or Town
CJSA is actively seeking new partners to help grow TOPSoccer across Connecticut and make the game more accessible to young athletes of all abilities. Any CJSA club interested in learning more about adding TOPSoccer to its offerings can email topsoccer@cjsa.org or contact CJSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Bill Fallon directly at coachbill01@comcast.net.
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!