TOPSoccer
Community & Inclusive Play: TOPSoccer
Our TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) program is dedicated to providing young athletes with neurodiverse or physical needs a safe, engaging, and supportive environment to learn and enjoy the game. Through the invaluable support of our local partners, volunteers, and buddy coaches, we ensure that every player experiences the joy of team sports. Explore our gallery below to see our TOPSoccer athletes in action and learn more about the community partners who make this program possible. Upcoming TOPSoccer Events: 10/3 - TOPSoccer Event Oakton H.S. Aux Field 1 - 4 PM to 5PM 10/11 - TOPSoccer Event Oakton H.S. Aux Field 1 - 4 PM to 5PM 10/18 - TOPSoccer Event Oakton H.S. Aux Field 1 - 4 PM to 5PM 11/01 - TOPSoccer Event Oakton H.S. Aux Field 1 - 4 PM to 5PM 11/08 - TOPSoccer Event Oakton H.S. Aux Field 1 - 4 PM to 5PM
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Stefani Evans
Building access, Confidence & Opportuniity Through Youth Soccer
Professional Background
Stefani is a seasoned trial attorney and a passionate advocate for underserved communities. With extensive courtroom experience and a deep commitment to mentorship, she brings thoughtful leadership, strategic insight, and a strong service-driven perspective to our organization.
Community & Academy Impact
Through her board service, Stefani is excited to support youth mentorship initiatives and expand access to soccer programming that builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership — both on and off the field. Her dedication to equity and opportunity aligns closely with our mission to remove barriers and create meaningful pathways for young people in our community.
Ernesto Di Vittorio
Air force chair & youth soccer coach
Academic & Military Leadership
Ernesto serves as the Air Force Chair and an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, where he is responsible for U.S. Air Force students and faculty and teaches courses in Strategic Leadership and Military Strategy & Warfighting.
Athlete & Competitor
Ernesto serves as the Air Force Chair and an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, where he is responsible for U.S. Air Force students and faculty and teaches courses in Strategic Leadership and Military Strategy & Warfighting.
Coach, Mentor & Developer
As a parent of two daughters who play or have played competitive soccer, Ernesto brings a strong understanding of player development, teamwork, and leadership. He previously coached the U9 Girls at AC Milan Academy DMV, bringing experience, discipline, and a passion for the game into the foundation environment.
John Schlenker
Coached in WAGS, NCSL and ODSL
Virginia Soccer Experience
John Schlenker has been involved in many areas of soccer in Virginia. He has coached in WAGS, NCSL and ODSL. He was the Founder and President of the Fauquier Adult Soccer League and the Warrenton Fields Association. He served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Fauquier Soccer Club, and has served on many community service committees.
TOPSoccer Program Leadership
Among all this, over twenty years ago, John Schlenker started one of the first TOPSoccer Programs in Virginia. The Outreach Program for Soccer, or TOPS, is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Coaching & Community Service
He has been the Piedmont Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Head Coach, a Special Olympics Coach, a Certified US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach, and a VYSA TOPSoccer Chair from 2002 to present.
THE TOPSOCCER EXPERIENCE
AC Milan Academy DMV is proud to announce the start of our TOPSoccer program, in partnership with DMV Athletics Impact Foundation. Our Kick-Off Event will take place
- Saturday, June 21
- 10:00am – 11:00am
- Chantilly High School
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
- Register below and reach out if you are interested in volunteering or being a Buddy!
Benefits for Participants
- SOCIAL SKILLS – Players interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors.
- TEAMWORK – Players learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games.
- CONFIDENCE – Players will achieve success on the field that carries over to their lives off the field in so many ways!
- PERSEVERANCE – Players might encounter difficulties with activities, but they will be encouraged to keep trying and overcome challenges.
HOW TOPSOCCER WORKS
BUDDIES
Each participant is assigned a volunteer, trained ‘Buddy’ who is typically a little older and neurotypical. This Buddy works with their player individually and makes sure they are safe, engaged, supported, and having fun. The player-Buddy relationship is maintained throughout the course of a season, resulting in strong interpersonal bonds and an establishment of trust and confidence that allows each player to achieve their full potential.
COACHES
TOPSoccer coaches and administrators have taken formal USYS education and certification training that assists them in successfully delivering the program. In addition to providing coaching strategies and tactics specifically for children with special needs, the training identifies the traits of the most common disabilities and provides guidance on how to modify typical soccer practice activities so everyone can be successful.
GROUPINGS
Players are grouped by ability, not just age, such that they can develop at their own pace and participate amongst others with similar abilities.
Register for topsoccer program
To register for the TOPSoccer program please go to the dmvathleticsfoundation.org webpage and register!
