Kicking Inclusivity into High Gear: Adelaide Lord's TOPSoccer Initiative in Silverton
SILVERTON, Ore. – At only 15, Adelaide Lord is making a lasting impact on her community.
This fall, Adelaide, a sophomore at Silverton HS and a player with CFC’s 2007 Girls Academy, started a TOPSoccer Program in her hometown. TOPSoccer, "The Outreach Program for Soccer," is a community-based program designed to provide children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the sport of soccer.
Adelaide first learned about TOPSoccer when she responded to a call for “buddies” for CFC’s TOPSoccer Program at Salem Indoor. Here she learned what TOPSoccer was, how it worked, and started wondering why the program wasn’t being offered in her hometown.
“Everyone enjoys sports…We want athletes [of all abilities] here and to be a part of what we’re doing - everyone deserves this opportunity.”
Around the same time, she began volunteering with Silverton High School's Unified Program - part of Special Olympics Oregon. While in class, she had a conversation with a friend who told her they were unable to participate in certain sports growing up because there were no programs available that fit their specific needs.
“I was so upset when I heard that,” said Adelaide. “Soccer has been such a big part of my life and I couldn’t believe that others were denied that opportunity. However - I realized I couldn’t be upset that no one was doing this if I wasn’t willing to try or do something myself.”
Adelaide took action and reached out to CFC’s TOPSoccer Director, JoAnna Fields, inquiring about how she could get a program started in Silverton. With support from Fields and the Oregon TOPSoccer Chair, Joslynn Bigelow, she started preparing for Silverton TOPSoccer. She needed adaptive equipment, a space to play, sponsors, and volunteers. By September 10th, she was ready to go.
“This is something that I can make a difference in,” says Adelaide. “Even if it’s just one kid I am making a difference for, it’s all worth it.”
A few weeks into the season now, Adelaide loves seeing equality within her favorite sport. She has already heard a report from one teacher about a TOPSoccer participant who shared with the whole class how much fun he’s having at soccer and how much he loves it.
“Everyone enjoys sports…We want athletes [of all abilities] here and to be a part of what we’re doing - everyone deserves this opportunity.”
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Silverton TOPSoccer runs Sundays from 1-2PM at Silverton HS September 10 - October 22. To get involved as an athlete or volunteer, contact Adelaide Lord at adelaidesftopsoccer@gmail.com.
To get involved with CFC TOPSoccer, visit cfcsalem.com/topsoccer.
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