Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOP Soccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.

Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.

What to expect at TOPSoccer

At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies.  TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times.  TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting.  The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players.  Frequent rest/water breaks are provided.  Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer. 

Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.  

Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOP Soccer! Come help others enjoy the beautiful game as a volunteer buddy! First session of the season immediately follows the training and lasts until 5:15pm.

Please come prepared to play, with lots of love and enthusiasm. Check your email for any weather-related updates.

Entertainment*

• DJ BiFocals

• Clown

• Stilt Walker

• Roaming Magician Ken Caplan

*Subject to change.

 Free Activities*

• Double A’s Pony to Go Petting Zoo

• Face Painting

• Balloon Twisters

• Touch-A-Truck

• Inflatables

• Glitter Tattoos by Wreck It Rage Roomz

• Splatter Paint by Wreck It Rage Roomz

• Foam Party

• Games

• Coloring

• Chalk Zone

• Toddler Zone

• & More!

*Subject to change.

Halò! Find the Virginia Scottish Games — an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions — at Great Meadow from August 30-31, 2025.

This weekend-long cultural festival features so much to see and enjoy:

Competitions
Witness events like Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, and Fiddling.

Clans, Societies, & Heritage
Explore your Scottish ancestry and connect with others who share your passion for Scottish heritage. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or simply fascinated by Scottish culture, you’ll find a welcoming community.

Food & Shopping
Savor a variety of Scottish delicacies! Indulge in meat pies, bridies, fish & chips, shortbread, Scotch eggs, and other festival treats like a whisky-tasting experience! Plus, enjoy browsing vendors and crafters for unique finds.

Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Scotland, including singing, pipes, drums, and more! Enjoy the rich musical traditions that bring the festival to life.

Get your kilt ready, and see you at the games!

Details:
Website • Tickets

Halò! Find the Virginia Scottish Games — an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions — at Great Meadow from August 30-31, 2025.

This weekend-long cultural festival features so much to see and enjoy:

Competitions
Witness events like Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, and Fiddling.

Clans, Societies, & Heritage
Explore your Scottish ancestry and connect with others who share your passion for Scottish heritage. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or simply fascinated by Scottish culture, you’ll find a welcoming community.

Food & Shopping
Savor a variety of Scottish delicacies! Indulge in meat pies, bridies, fish & chips, shortbread, Scotch eggs, and other festival treats like a whisky-tasting experience! Plus, enjoy browsing vendors and crafters for unique finds.

Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Scotland, including singing, pipes, drums, and more! Enjoy the rich musical traditions that bring the festival to life.

Get your kilt ready, and see you at the games!

Details:
Website • Tickets

Stroll. Browse. Have something appraised by Linda Cunningham Goldstein, a Sotheby's-trained appraiser and former National Trust Museum Director. She appraises jewelry, furniture, prints, paintings, glass, china, pottery, silver, textiles and collectibles for the low, low fee of $15 per appraisal. Enjoy the food trucks, including Hawaiian Shave Ice, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Fresh roasted coffee, and baked goods. There may be live music at the Flea Market.

Medicaid Waivers are the way Virginia funds services for people with developmental disabilities. Everything from a small amount of respite, to in-home care, to employment supports are covered by Waivers. In this one hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, the Director of Advocacy at the Arc of Northern Virginia, will review what Waivers are, services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.

The Arc of Northern Virginia offers a monthly lunch & learn for parents, self-advocates and caregivers.

Details and registration for Reston residents and their four-legged friends.

An area listing of other Dog Paddles or Swims.

Power Struggles: From Win-Lose to Win-Win
From screen time limits to household chores, everyday requests can quickly become battles between parents and children. This webinar explores the root causes of these conflicts, offers insight into challenging behaviors, and shares strategies to build connection and cooperation at home. Participants receive access to the video recording, an audio version, and supporting handouts.

$25 per household, register here

This botanical garden offers numerous activities, including this stroll in the park with leashed dogs. Admission ranges from $4-8 and memberships are available. Seems like a nice quiet place to enjoy the outdoors!

Join us and advocate Gary Shulman (MS. Ed.) for one or all of our 2025 one-hour sessions where you can share issues and challenges you’re facing as a parent, loved one, or caregiver to someone with a developmental disability. Gary and our team will provide resource ideas, stories, empathy, and connection with the other families present. It is a sharing and caring discussion with heart.

Register Here

Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

Learned Optimism, hard-won joy. Join Susan Senator in the tale of a tough profound autism family, experience our mistakes and triumphs, from our grieving early days to residential placement, to adulthood and peace (at this point in time…).

Register Here

NO TOP SOCCER THIS WEEKEND!

For individuals ages 13-30, and their siblings or cousins.

So Kids SOAR is organizing a prom for young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. We are excited to bring back this annual event where our participants and volunteers can let loose, dance to great music, and celebrate with each other! Our past themes have been: Galactic Space Adventure, Adventure Awaits, Under The Sea, Under The Big Top, A Starry Night, A Magical Kingdom, Superheroes and A Wizarding World. This year, we encourage all of our guests to dress up like they're in a western or going to their favorite rodeo! Think cowboys, cowgirls, cowpeople and farming friends!

So Kids SOAR está organizando un baile de graduación para adultos jóvenes con discapacidades físicas y de desarrollo. ¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta este evento anual donde nuestros participantes y voluntarios pueden soltarse, bailar con buena música y celebrar entre ellos! Nuestros temas anteriores han sido: Aventura espacial galáctica, Aventura espera, Bajo el mar, Bajo la gran carpa, Una noche estrellada, un reino mágico, Superhéroes y Un Mundo Mágico. ¡Este año, animamos a todos nuestros invitados a vestirse como si estuvieran en un western o yendo a su rodeo favorito! ¡Piensa en vaqueros, vaqueras, vaqueros y amigos granjeros!

Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

Celebrate the special Moms and mother figures in your life today!

This workshop will provide tips on collecting and sharing information about your child’s strengths, information which can be used throughout the IEP document. Your data and observations can contribute to more than just the “Parent input” section of the IEP, whether it relates to your child’s preferences, home responsibilities, hobbies, skills or social interactions. Our presenter is Liz Capone, veteran Special Education advocate.

REGISTER HERE

This webinar will focus on new rules from the Social Security Administration released in 2024 that impact all Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. The changes include new ways to calculate assistance with food and rent, as well as other in-kind assistance. This is a “must see” webinar for any SSI user.

The presenter is Claire Kelly, Attorney at Trusts & Wealth, PLLC (https://trustsandwealth.com/). Claire crafts detailed estate plans for discerning clients, and delights in customizing the perfect plan for each family. She always includes planning for incapacity as well, to ensure your loved ones will continue to receive the care they need regardless of your health. Claire specializes in serving Special Needs families, which includes planning for benefits retention through estate planning vehicles such as Special Needs Trusts. Claire has been fortunate to leverage her tax and estate planning knowledge in service of the community. Her volunteer experience includes estate planning for first responders through Wills for Heroes, tax preparation through the Capital Area Asset Builders, and work with the Arc of Northern Virginia. When not collaborating with clients to design their perfect estate plan, Claire enjoys woodworking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children.

Register Here

Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

WHAT: So Kids SOAR will be bringing together youth with physical and developmental disabilities, their families, and volunteers for a morning on the baseball field.

WHO: This event is open to youth and young adults from ages 4-30 with disabilities of any type. Everyone can participate, regardless of ability.

• Participants- This clinic is open to youth with physical and developmental disabilities - their siblings are welcome too! No previous experience is required. Instructors and equipment will be provided for all participants. Just show up- So Kids SOAR and The Miracle League will take care of the rest!

• Volunteers- Must be at least age 15 or over and have been a previous So Kids SOAR volunteer; those who register who are not first-time volunteers must email glenda@sokidssoar.org first. Volunteers - please note that there will be no area for your belongings, please keep your important items with you at all times or leave them locked in the car. We are not liable for lost, stolen, or missing items.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/so-kids-soar-baseball-2025-tickets-1211461527039?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Our World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo is being held in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center this year. We want to assure everyone planning to attend or considering attending the World of Possibilities Expos that your health, safety and security is our top priority.

This is an incredible educational experience, a great networking opportunity and a ton of FUN!!

The World of Possibilities Disabilities Expos is the region's most important forum for disability-related resources. Everyone within the disabilities and senior community, children with disabilities and their families, caregivers/service providers, veterans, and baby-boomers should plan to attend!

Features at the Expos will include:

• FREE WHEELCHAIR REPAIR • Durable Medical Equipment • Assistive and Adaptive Devices • Computer Software • Instructional Materials • Mobility Products • Adaptive Learning Tools • Disability and Elder Law Resources • Recreation/Travel Resources • Adapted Bikes/Adapted Exercise Equipment • Personal Care Products • Communication Devices • Products for the Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals • Local Agencies and Support Groups • Product Demonstrations • Personal Care Attendants • Free Parking

High School Service Learning Opportunity - PG County HS Volunteer

Please sign up to help in the morning, the afternoon, or both. Thank you for your assistance at this expo. You will be helping vendors, entertainers and guests.

Champions

Do you advocate for those living with disabilities? Do you represent an organization who helps this community of people? Are you a local Mayor or Council Member who can affect change? Please sign up today to greet guests, mingle with vendors and represent your organization at the Champions Table.

Join us and advocate Gary Shulman (MS. Ed.) for one or all of our 2025 one-hour sessions where you can share issues and challenges you’re facing as a parent, loved one, or caregiver to someone with a developmental disability. Gary and our team will provide resource ideas, stories, empathy, and connection with the other families present. It is a sharing and caring discussion with heart.

Register Here

GET FREE TICKETS HERE

Who: The clinic is open to children from 4 - 30 with differing abilities(every child will be able to participate in specialized drills). No previous soccer experience is required. Instructors, coaches, and equipment will be provided for all participants. You simply need to show up, SKS, our sponsors and our volunteers will take care of the rest.

VOLUNTEERS: Must be at least 15 years of age or older. We are looking for both skilled volunteers and general volunteers who do not need any prior experience. ALL VOLUNTEERS will need to go through a review of our regulations documents and a mandatory volunteer briefing call upon registration.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Please sign up as a parent if you will be attending with your participant, if you would like to volunteer WITH your child - please sign up as a VOLUNTEER! As a reminder, a parent/guardian must be on-site throughout the entire clinic.

ORGANIZATIONS: Want to get your organization or company involved? Contact us at glenda@sokidssoar.org

What: The event will take place from 5 - 7 PM EST and will consist of specialized drills for all participants. Children will be grouped and paired with trained volunteers and instructors who will guide them through a progression of drills and exercises. Light snacks will be provided for participants, volunteers and guardians.

When: Wednesday April 30th from 5 -7 PM; registration will begin at 4:30 PM for volunteers and 4:45 for participants.

Where: Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th St NE, Washington, DC 20019-3955

Come get some kicks in at the TOP Soccer Spring season! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.

Player Registration Form

·  Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).

·  There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.

·  Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys. 

·  As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.

·  Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.

·  Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name. 

·  Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

·  Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.

Learn more here:

https://givebutter.com/0wRiML

Please join us for a festival and 5K fundraiser to help raise funding for children with disabilities gain access to service dogs.  A care-free, fun event that will support children with disabilities obtain increased independence, emotional support, and improved self-esteem.

Please refer to the schedule for sign-in times and group stretch on our 5K Info! Page.

Registration check-in will begin at 10:00 am.