Sisters launches soccer program

A local soccer outreach program started at Sisters Elementary school last Friday evening. TOPSoccer, "The Outreach Program for Soccer" is a community-based soccer program designed for children with disabilities, serving ages 4 to 19 to help them gain motor skills, balance, and social skills through soccer activities.

Cheryl Stewart and her daughter Elizabeth recognized a need for Sisters children last year while participating in Oregon Rush Soccer in Bend.

"We wanted to start a program in Bend with Oregon Rush Soccer, but didn't think many Sisters children would be able to participate that far away," Stewart said.

Instead, she negotiated a sponsorship agreement with Oregon Rush Soccer and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) to start a new program in Sisters.

TOPSoccer started last Friday, and will run for a total of eight consecutive Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. The program is to be played outdoors at the soccer field near the tennis courts; but will be played inside the elementary school gym during inclement weather.

The program promotes development rather than competition. In this program everyone is a winner because of the sports-related contact adults have with these special children, the gains in their abilities, the impact exercise has on reducing their disability, and the fun of working with these athletes. All coaches and aids are volunteers and donate their time so every child can know the rewards of playing soccer.

"We are looking for more children in Sisters that may want to participate," Steart said.

There is no cost to the program, thanks to the sponsorship of Oregon Rush Soccer and SPRD. Each TOPSoccer player will get a T-shirt, a soccer ball and a "soccer buddy" to partner with for fun, skill building and exercise. To register call the SPRD office at 541-549-2091 and ask for Shalee Hanks or call Cheryl Stewart, Oregon Rush parent at

541-382-7962.