Sophomore Hunter Slavonic and junior DeAngelo Williams are conducting a TOP Soccer event for their DECA project! Their mission is for young athletes with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities to create memories through soccer!
DECA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) focused on developing entrepreneurial, financial, public speaking, and leadership skills in high school and college students. DECA’s mission is to instill a love for business and leadership while fostering a culture.
At DECA’s State Career Development Conference, Slavonic and Williams placed fifth out of 30 other teams throughout Pennsylvania in the category Integrated Marketing Campaign Service.
In addition to collaborating with DECA, they’re also helping with Best Buddies to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Players interact with their volunteer Buddy and other athletes in a fun, group setting and learn proper social behaviors, learn to trust someone else and rely on them through soccer activities and games, and achieve success on the field that carries over to their lives off the field in so many ways!
“I wanted to do this event so that I can bring an inclusive environment for kids who want the opportunity to participate in a soccer league in Bethel Park,” Slavonic said.
On March 21, the first Bethel Park TOP Soccer will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Black Hawk Stadium. Volunteers and Athletes are still needed. Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in participating!
