“Everyday Hero” for the May/June Issue 2011
It is not difficult to understand why the TOPSoccer program in Florida has flourished over the past 11 years. The man who has ‘led the charge’ is Dean Frost, a soft-spoken gentleman who had a vision that came to fruition. The program in Boca Raton, Fl. that Dean initiated did not just happen overnight. It grew from twenty-some special needs players, their “buddies” and coaches, to the current 165 players, 190 buddies, 40-plus coaches, and an administrative committee of seven.
Mary Kay West tells how she was coaxed into becoming a coach the day she dropped off her daughter, Natalie. Natalie was to be part of the buddy program. Although she had other plans for the day, Mary Kay wanted to see what was taking place at the soccer field. She introduced herself to Dean Frost, and was convinced by Dean that coaching special needs athletes was more important than her planned shopping trip. Dean and Mary Kay have been friends ever since and Mary Kay still cannot say “no” to a Dean Frost request.
Dean now serves as the Florida Youth Soccer Association’s Committee Chair for all of Florida’s TOPSoccer organizations. He oversees each region’s organizations and guides each regional co-coordinator.
It would be impossible to put a number on how many individuals Dean has positively influenced through his years with TOPSoccer. Buddies have been so inspired that they have gone on to careers in special needs teaching and medicine. And, some have also returned to coach was well.
Vision, compassion, persuasion, and inspiration are some of the qualities Dean possesses which have resulted in the success ofTOPSoccer throughout the state of Florida.
Submitted by
Sabre TOPSoccer
Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Fl.
You May Also Like
- How to Run the Special Needs Marathon With No Training [1]
- Unified Sports: A Great Way to Start Inclusion in a Fun and Positive Way [2]
- Special Twist Cheerleading: Something to Cheer about! [3]
- Special Olympics Is Truly Special and Much More Than Just Sports [4]
- Special Olympics Success and Encouragement for All! [5]
- Disabilities Shouldn’t Define Individuals Awareness and Dialogue Promote Acceptance [6]
- Sister & Children’s Author Aims to End Discrimination [7]
- Kids’ Books Essentials: Supporting Different-Ability Awareness [8]
- Disability Etiquette 101 [9]
- Acceptance is the Key [10]
- Why Using a Wheelchair Is the Opposite of Giving Up [11]
This post originally appeared on our May/June 2011 Magazine