When I walked into the New Jersey Youth Soccer headquarters in Freehold to record this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, I knew the story behind Every Kick Counts was going to be special — but I didn’t realize just how many layers there were until I sat down with everyone involved.
The event, created and organized by high school junior Zack Dabby, is more than just a FootGolf fundraiser. It’s a celebration of community, inclusion, and the power of sports to bring people together. Zack’s inspiration came from his friendship with Jack, a player in the TOPSoccer program — a free, community-based soccer program for athletes with disabilities. What started as two friends hanging out turned into a vision to give more athletes and volunteers the same opportunity to connect.
The Mission of TOPSoccer
If you’ve never heard of it, TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer. It’s a national initiative, and here in New Jersey, it’s run through New Jersey Youth Soccer with programs in over 20 communities statewide. The model is simple: pair athletes with disabilities with volunteer “buddies” to help them learn, play, and enjoy the game at their own pace. It’s free for participants, thanks to the work of local clubs, sponsors like RWJ Barnabas Health, and an army of dedicated volunteers.
In our conversation, Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, and Vinny Nasuta, President of Toms River FC, gave me a deeper understanding of what makes this program so powerful. Toms River’s TOPSoccer program alone serves around 60 athletes with the help of 20–30 buddies — many of whom come back year after year, even returning from college to help. The sessions are a mix of drills, skill-building, fun activities (giant soccer ball included), and plenty of pizza and donuts.
How Every Kick Counts Came to Life
Zack’s idea for Every Kick Counts took that spirit and put a new spin on it — literally. Instead of a traditional soccer event, participants play FootGolf, which is exactly what it sounds like: golf played with a soccer ball, aiming for oversized holes on a golf course. The event brought in over 50 players in its first year and raised nearly $10,000 for programs like TOPSoccer.
It wasn’t easy. Zack admitted that starting from scratch was overwhelming at times, but the support of his family, especially his dad, Evan, and the broader NJYS community made it possible. By the end of the day, watching players and buddies laughing, cheering, and celebrating on the course made all the hard work worth it.
More Than a Game
I also got to talk with Jack and his mom, Michelle, about what events like Every Kick Counts mean for families in the special needs community. For them, it’s about much more than sport — it’s about belonging, building friendships, and having opportunities that don’t disappear as kids get older. Hearing Jack talk about playing with Zack, going to each other’s events, and just spending time together drove home the personal impact this work has.
And then there was Tab Ramos, a legend in U.S. soccer, who came out to support the event. He spoke about how soccer has always been about connection for him — how someone once gave him the opportunity to play, and why he feels it’s important to give back now. Watching him on the FootGolf course with the kids was proof that this isn’t just lip service — he genuinely enjoys being part of it.
Looking Ahead
Zack’s already thinking about next year and beyond. With the foundation built, his goal is to expand Every Kick Counts to more communities, maybe even creating chapters across the country. And if the first year was any indication, the potential is huge.
For me, hosting this conversation was a reminder of why I started Greetings from the Garden State in the first place — to share stories that showcase the heart of New Jersey. Every Kick Counts is proof that when you combine creativity, hard work, and community spirit, you can make a real difference.
If you want to learn more about TOPSoccer or Every Kick Counts, visit njyouthsoccer.com and follow Every Kick Counts on Facebook and Instagram.
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.