TOPSoccer Using The Buddy System Auke Wiersma TOPSoccer Chair Region I husp11@hotmail.com (201) 362-7164
Who is a TOPSoccer Buddy? Facilitator Participates with TOPSoccer players in training and matches Buddies can be teenagers or adults Buddies can be anyone who desires to enable TOPSoccer players to be successful and to have FUN!
Buddy Recruitment Local High Schools Community Colleges Universities Older Club Teams Other Special Needs Programs Scouts/Religious Groups/Community Service Organizations/YMCA/Boys and Girls Clubs
Buddy Recruitment Friends of current Buddies Volunteer Fairs Siblings of Players Local Youth Group Ask 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. Let the 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 the player Continuously monitor the player for: Fatigue Frustration/melt-downs Water breaks
The Role of the Buddy The 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 with walker or wheelchair Push the wheelchair for participation if necessary Check on walker or wheelchair safety (equipment check) Safety awareness Field surface Environment Create opportunity for walker or wheelchair player to participate Keep ball close to feed the player Ball retrieval
Buddy Role for visually impaired players Describe the activity and environment May provide a balance and mobility role with the player 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 players with 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 with Behavioral/Sensory Needs or 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 TOPSoccer players, not to participate as players themselves!
How to keep the buddies involved? Buddies must feel what they are doing is helpful 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 the training session Safety for the Buddy: *Risk Management *Education *Relax, smile and have FUN Give Buddies awards, certificates and recognition for their participation 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 I may take part in. When I hear it was disabled kids, it also interested me because I knew it would be a good learning experience and something that I could take away from. I also thought that I could help them in whatever way possible and try to let them have some fun. Another thing was that it had to do with soccer which is another activity that I do and am interested in. Overall it sounded like a great learning experience and a fun time. That is why I would like to be a Buddy for TOPSoccer! -Kim Lindquist I chose to become a TOPSoccer Buddy because I love to coach soccer, and I enjoy teaching kids how to play and learn about soccer. I have a great passion for the game, and I would love to be there for someone in need of teaching, and helping them have fun while learning the game. I would also like to get involved in coaching one day in the future, and I feel like this would be a productive step to that goal. -Tim DiBisceglie "I wanted to give back to other kids the same fun experience I've had playing sports and feeling good about 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 same great experience. -Gillian Lawlor
Remember that we all have disabilities, in some of us they show!
Questions?
References Dr. Marianne Torbert Temple University The Football Association Football Development Programme Coaching Disabled Footballers US Youth Soccer The Novice Coach The US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Committee The Outreach Program for Soccer Program Manual