FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Birmingham United Soccer Association will offer a TOPSoccer program this spring designed to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth of special needs children through the sport of soccer.

The program is open to children between the ages of 4-19 with any physical or mental disability. Participants must be born between Aug. 1, 1992 and July 31, 2008 to be eligible for the program.

Evaluations will be held Sunday, March 4 and will be followed by a second evaluation on Friday, March 9 for anyone who cannot attend the first evaluation. Teams will be formed by March 26, and players will be contacted with more details after this date.

Teams will be formed n player needs and not necessarily by age. Each player will be paired with a buddy. Buddies, who must be 16 years of age or older, are needed for the program.

Practices and games will begin the week of April 1. The practices and games will be played on Sunday afternoons at the SportsBlast Complex on Highway 280.

Field directions are available at BirminghamUnited.com.

The registration fee is $30 and includes a soccer ball, jersey, shorts and player insurance. All players will need to bring a water bottle, soccer cleats or tennis shoes. Shin guards are optional.

Game dates include April 1, April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 20. The game dates will be followed by a medal ceremony on May 20.

For questions or more information, contact league organizer Taylor Smith by email at Topsoccer@birminghamunited.com.

All registration forms and payments can be submitted to the following address: BUSA, 3576 East Street, Birmingham, AL 35243.

Forms and payments should be received by March 5.