Kalamazoo Crew is proud to expand its programming to fulfill a huge need in the Kalamazoo area. Working with youth with disabilities is advocated by many organizations around the world, including the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. The Crew is more than a youth soccer club, and we work day after day to provide opportunities to better the future of our city; our kids.
How are we helping?
In 2017, Kalamazoo Crew started a TOPSoccer program in the Kalamazoo area. US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer and exposure to a team environment to any boy or girl who has a mental, physical, or emotional disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.
Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, "to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition." There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.
How can I get involved?
- Become a Player - ages 4-19 - register here: https://www.gotsport.com/asp/application/reg/?ProgramID=79016&Type=PLAYER
- Volunteer Coaches - Contact Kelley Chenier
- Volunteer Buddy - ages 12 and up - Contact Kelley Chenier
The Kalamazoo Crew TOPSoccer program is managed by Kelley Chenier. You can reach Kelley at [email protected] or at 269-364-5286. Kelley is a lifelong resident of the area and has been associated with the Crew for over 10 years. She is a parent of two players, wife of a passionate coach and a volunteer. She has volunteered with multiple organizations over the years and loves soccer, which makes this leadership role a natural progression and perfect pairing of her skills and interests. The best part is that Kelley is genuinely excited to help bring this program to our community! The Crew is blessed to have people like Kelley involved in developing our club.
Help us share the abundance!
If you wish to participate in the program and/or volunteer to help grow this program, we would love to meet with you and discuss how to best meet your wish.
For any questions about TOPSoccer, or to register as a Coach or Buddy, please contact Kelley Chenier at [email protected] or call 269-364-5286.