Getting their kicks

More than 20  children, ages 5 to 20, have been the first participants in EBSC's version of a national soccer program called TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), hosted by EBSC every Saturday morning at the new level playing field at Heavenly Farms. In addition to the program participants, club officials, coaches, parents and, most important, more than 30 "Buddy" coaches from East Brunswick High School and area colleges have lent a hand -- and a foot -- each week. 

"We're really thrilled with the success of our TOPSoccer program," said Jim Harmon, the EBSC president. "We had some great prototypes in town, with the fantastic Buddy Baseball and Fast Break Basketball programs, so we're just delighted that local kids can now also experience the fun of playing soccer."

The weekly one-hour session consists of stretching and ball work, fun games and skill development and then full-field games to close each weekly session.

"The kids have really gotten comfortable with our weekly routine," said Ron Brandsdorfer, EBSC's immediate past president and the program's technical director. "While we follow the same basic format, we change around the fun games and introduce new skills every week. We have some very good and enthusiastic players out there."

The key to the success of the program, Harmon said, is the hard work of the Buddy coaches who work very closely with the players. A number of Buddy coaches have used the experience to prepare for a career in special education, while others participate for high school community service credit or to simply transfer the joy they've had playing soccer to others.

"Our Buddies are the best," Harmon said. "The first thing our players do every week when they come to the field is look for their buddies. These are important, meaningful relationships."

More information on EBSC's TOPSoccer program is available from Jen Harmon, the program coordinator. She can be reached at jenjenharmon@hotmail.com.