For six years, Rohan Kapil, a rising senior at Westfield High School in Chantilly, has dedicated his weekends to TOPSoccer, an adaptive soccer program managed by the Great Falls Reston Soccer Club. His support earned him a nomination for the 2025 "Buddy of the Year" award.

TOPSoccer is a community-based program designed for athletes ages 6 to 18 with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities, bringing the enjoyment of playing soccer to young athletes of all abilities. The program is free for participants and includes seven weekly training sessions and an official GFR jersey.

After three years as a volunteer buddy, Kapil stepped into a leadership role as head coach, a position he has held for the past three years. Every week, he designs adaptive drills, leads one-on-one sessions to build teamwork, and trains and manages individual volunteers.

Working directly with these young athletes has reshaped Kapil’s approach to leadership. Adapting on the spot taught him that “each kid needs something different,” an insight he says now shapes his entire life.

Kapil called the nomination by Great Falls Reston Soccer “a huge honor,” even without a win.

"Rohan has created a welcoming community where every athlete has the opportunity to play,” said Erin Bonk. “My son has participated for several years, and Rohan has always made him feel supported and valued.”

As Kapil prepares to head to college next fall, he is focused on training the club's next generation of volunteer leaders to ensure the program's seamless transition and continued success.

Registration for athletes opens on the GFR Soccer Club website before each season, early summer for fall and winter for spring. High school students looking for leadership roles or community service hours can apply to be peer buddies or youth coaches.

https://www.gfrsoccerclub.org/topsoccer