United States · starting in Georgia
Inclusive soccer, starting at home in Georgia
BTSF's first work in the United States is close to home: inclusive soccer programming with the TOPSoccer program at Atlanta Fire United in Duluth, Georgia, part of US Youth Soccer's TOPSoccer initiative. From there we will extend support to inclusive programs in other communities across the country.
About TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is US Youth Soccer's community-based program for young players with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Players are placed by ability rather than age, and each is paired with volunteer coaches and buddies so that every child can take part. Atlanta Fire United runs a long-established TOPSoccer program in Duluth, Georgia, where BTSF's founders Ayan and Deven Ganguly coach as volunteers — a volunteer role open to any trained community member and separate from the Foundation.
How BTSF supports the program
Adaptive equipment
Adaptive goals, lighter and larger balls, pinnies, cones, sensory-friendly items and first-aid supplies.
Volunteer and coach development
Training and certification courses, background-check costs and recognition for the volunteers and buddies who make each session possible.
Access for families
Assistance with registration, uniform and transport costs, administered by the club under its own criteria.
Season events
End-of-season celebrations, family days and awards that make players feel like part of a team.
Why we start here
Georgia is home. Our founders have seen every week what a session does for a player who finally has a team, a coach and a field of their own — and what it does for the volunteers. Supporting an established inclusive program is the most natural first step, and the model we want to carry to other communities across the United States.
How you can help
- Volunteer as a coach or buddy with a TOPSoccer program near you — contact the club directly, or write to us and we will point you to one.
- Give to BTSF and direct your gift to our U.S. programs.
- If you run an inclusive program anywhere in the United States and need support, tell us about it.
TOPSoccer is a program of US Youth Soccer. Atlanta Fire United operates its local program independently. BTSF is a separate organization that supports the program; references to TOPSoccer and Atlanta Fire United do not imply their endorsement of BTSF or of its fundraising. Any support BTSF provides goes to the program, never to individual volunteers or players.