UK Freshman Named TOPSoccer 'Buddy of the Year'

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2012) — University of Kentucky freshman and journalism pre-major Annie Dunbar has been named the Kentucky and Region II "Buddy of the Year" by the U.S. Youth Soccer Association. 

Region II is made up of 13 states. Dunbar will travel to Boston in February where the selection will be made from four regional representatives for the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team-placement program for athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Dunbar has been involved as a dedicated TOPSoccer volunteer in the Lexington Youth Soccer Association for five seasons. She began her involvement as a high school sophomore at Lexington’s Henry Clay High School. When nominated from LYSA TOPSoccer for Kentucky Buddy of the Year, Dunbar was a high school senior.

As a Buddy, Dunbar has helped improve the social skills, self-esteem and soccer skills of the athletes with whom she works. In addition to her time as a Buddy, Dunbar has become involved with the TOPSoccer advisory committee, serving as high school liaison.

For more information on TOPSoccer or volunteering as a Buddy, go to http://lysa.org/tops.