On March 11, TOPSoccer will begin its first-ever spring season as an avenue for special needs children to participate in a spring sport. Roddey Coe, a board member for the Chattanooga Autism Center, will be a coach and commissioner for the new league.
“I’ve been doing special needs soccer for about four years because of my son,” said Coe. “We’re just looking to provide another opportunity for the kids to get out there and be active.”
Many parents in the special needs community aren’t aware of the options available for their children, he said, adding that getting the word out and recruiting volunteers to help run the program are at the top of the priority list.
“There’s a definite need. I’ve been contacted by parents from Dayton, Cleveland and Ringgold asking about participation,” Coe said of the league.
The TOPSoccer league is partnered with Redoubt Soccer, Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation and the North River Soccer Association. Coe said he is especially grateful to North River Soccer President Mark Harrison, without whose assistance none of this would be possible.