Views from the Shore
A few years ago, I met Mike Bongiorno while serving on the committee for the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial dedication ceremony. Mike is one of those people, dedicated, committed, honest, and reliable. A great leader and the kind of person you’re glad is on your team.
Fast forward to last week, when I had the opportunity to speak at a PR Council of Atlantic City event and share information about the sensory care programs at Shore Medical Center. In the audience was another familiar face, Marco Polo Smigliani, who also served on the Bernie Friedenberg committee, and after the presentation, he told Mike to get in touch with me.
That connection made sense on a couple of levels. Professionally, my role at Shore is all about promoting programs that improve quality of life, like our sensory care initiatives. Personally, I’ve spent years around the game of soccer. I play, I follow it, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be in bringing people together. When those two worlds overlap, you pay attention.
Mike and I connected, and it turns out he’s leading an effort worthy of World Cup-level attention.
Mike is the president of the Egg Harbor Township Soccer Club and is now in his third year leading the organization. During that time, the club has grown significantly, now serving more than 900 players across all levels. But what stood out most in our conversation wasn’t the growth, it was what he felt was missing.
Through his involvement with New Jersey Youth Soccer, Mike was introduced to TOPSoccer, a U.S. Soccer grassroots program designed specifically for children and young adults with disabilities. The closest program is currently in Marlton. For families in Atlantic County, access has been limited.
Mike is now bringing TOPSoccer to Atlantic County, creating what will be the only program of its kind locally. And it’s personal. Mike shared that his brother-in-law has special needs, and like many families, they’ve experienced firsthand how programs like this can come and go, often dependent on volunteers. That experience helped shape his commitment to building something sustainable here.
The goal is to welcome more than 100 participants in the program’s first season.
It’s also important to understand that this is a clinic-style program, not competitive games. That means it’s designed to be flexible, welcoming, and accommodating to participants of all ability levels, with the focus on participation, development, and enjoyment rather than scoreboards or standings.
The clinics will be held on Sunday nights this fall at the Atlantic Field House. The owners of this beautiful new facility didn’t hesitate, they’re donating the space to make the program possible. That kind of generosity says a lot about the community here in Atlantic County.
To make this work, Mike and his team will need support, and a lot of it. Coaches and volunteers will go through TOPSoccer training to ensure they’re prepared to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The program will also rely on “buddies,” younger volunteers who can assist participants one-on-one, making the experience even more personal and supportive.
Mike and his team are currently looking for volunteers, sponsors, and participants to help bring this vision to life. The goal is simple and powerful: to put smiles on kids’ faces and give families something they may not have had access to before.
If you’re interested in getting involved, whether as a volunteer, sponsor, or by enrolling a participant, you can reach out directly at EHTsoccer@gmail.com or call 609.694.6368.
It’s funny how these things come full circle, one connection leading to another, like a few good passes, until something meaningful finds the back of the net.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
