TOPSoccer - Empowering all Athletes

“TOPSoccer has been a huge help reassuring me that Urijah and others like him are welcome in every space.”

Urijah is an 8 year old in the Salem Keizer School District who plays in CFC’s TOPSoccer Program.

For quite some time, his mother, Zaneta, had been on a journey to find a sport that her then 1st grader could be a part of. he challenge was finding something that could accept Urijah’s differences and create a place where he wouldn't just be a “bench warmer.”

In the spring of 2022, Zaneta received a messaged inviting Urijah to CFC’s TOPsoccer program for children with physical and neurological differences. She quickly signed her son up and they waited anxiously for the first day to start.

Zaneta remembers the first couple weeks of TOPSoccer as challenging for Urijah which then eventually became a place for him to connect and grow.

“To say Urijah was excited about soccer is only part of the truth. He screamed and had several meltdowns those first few weeks. But each time we arrived he was met with grace, compassion, patience, and most of all acceptance. New environments, new people, new anything causes a fight and flight response. 

Coaches JoAnna, Robert, and all of the buddies did a wonderful job including Urijah in every activity.

Fast forward a year, Urijah is outgoing, confident, he's made friends, better at kicking a ball and excited about soccer.”

Program Director, JoAnna Fields, credits the mission of TOPSoccer to athletes like Urijah.

“We started this program because we believe that all youth should have the opportunity to play sports regardless of their abilities. Urijah’s story is one that we strive to recreate. Giving athletes who have no team to call their own a place to come together to have community, compete safely, and grow alongside their peers.

I am so proud of Urijah and his strengths to overcome his initial new TOPSoccer fears and grow into the fun, independent, athlete that he is today. I look forward to his energy and compassion every session.”

Finishing his 3rd season of TOPSoccer, Urijah comes into every class with energy and excitement as he looks for his fellow TOPS friends and buddies.

“TOPSoccer has been a huge help reassuring me that Urijah and others like him are welcome in every space. Thank you.” - Zaneta, Urijah’s mom.

To learn more about Capital FC’s TOPSoccer Program or get involved, you can like them on Facebook or visit cfcsalem.com/topsoccer.