For a coach, hearing the sound of an athlete race across a gymnasium floor under the spell of an escaping ball can be quite thrilling. That thrill intensifies when there’s more at stake than an ordinary pickup game.

For most children with disabilities, a lack of organized sporting opportunities exist. TOPSoccer, a program created under a partnership by U.S. Soccer and the Louisiana Soccer Association is intended to help athletes reach their next level of physical and social advancement.

 This initiative with the LSA was introduced to Louisiana clubs and parks, including Chappapeela, in order to form soccer sessions in communities. TOPSoccer began on Sunday, August 26 at CSP, and is set to continue until Sunday, October 14.