NYW’s Teresa Doermer is a rising star in the world of helping children with disabilities.  On Feb. 9, Region 1 Director Robert Palmeiro appointed Doermer as the Region 1 TOPSoccer Coordinator. TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a New York State West and U.S. Youth Soccer official program. This exciting program brings the joy of playing soccer to children, ages 5-21, with a mental or physical disability — children who have not traditionally had a place in the youth soccer system.

 

A soccer mom schooled in special education, Doermer serves as director for the Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired in Buffalo. When she found out that there was no TOPSoccer program in the Buffalo area, she put an end to that by enlisting the help of New York State West Youth Soccer to form an area chapter. She acquired equipment with a grant from Ronald McDonald House and arranged for fields and volunteers to get the program going. There are oversized balls for kids in wheelchairs, and fluorescent balls with bells inside for the visually impaired.

 

"When we give them their uniforms, that’s the best," she said. Over the last seven years her dedication and efforts have grown programs across the state, and currently serve over 200 children with disabilities. 

 

Region 1 recognizes her talents and passion and is excited about the possibility of Terry expanding playing opportunities throughout Region 1 and the nation.

 

Several TOPSoccer programs are up and running in NY State. For more information about TOPSoccer, contact TOPSoccer@nyswysa.org.