Nonprofit makes its pitch for a new soccer field in Lakewood Ranch

Chris Collins looked out over the 42 acres of soccer space at Lakewood Ranch Park where the Braden River Soccer Club was hosting hundreds of kids on a bustling Saturday morning.

The atmosphere could be described as frenzied fun, and what kid wouldn't want to participate?

While Collins does appreciate the energy and excitement generated by such a scene, he also understands that to some children, especially those participating in the BRSC's TopSoccer program, that frenetic pace might be overwhelming.

"Think of kids with autism," said Collins, who is the executive director of Ability to Include, which pairs with TopSoccer to provide recreational and social opportunities for children with special needs. "Imagine all these things going on, and all the soccer fields are full."

It can be intimidating.

That's why Ability to Include has been raising funds for a $70,000 project to install an artificial surface at Lakewood Ranch Park while building a 4- to 5-foot barrier around the field to separate it from the other BRSC fields. It will provide its players with an additional feeling of added security.

The artificial surface also will provide access to the fields by those in wheelchairs, something that was much more difficult on dirt or grass surfaces.

"We will have softer fields, and a border," Collins said. "Look how far we have come. It's an incredible thing."

Photo by Jay Heater

Collins would know how far the program has come because he was there in December 2007 when it began as the TopSoccer program.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund (now the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation) presented a grant of $5,000 in December 2006 to help the program get started. The following January, the first games were played.

"I was a junior at Southeast High School," Collins said. "I became a one-on-one buddy.

"It actually wasn't my introduction (to special needs kids). My mom (Theresa Collins) was an Exceptional Student Education teacher for the (School District of Manatee County). I had baby sat for some of her students. But I didn't understand the ripple effects the program would have at the time."

Being a one-on-one buddy prompted Collins to eventually become a U.S. Soccer licensed coach. He became a registered behavior technician, and received his Professional Development designation from the Children's Development Council.

In 2023, he approached TopSoccer about having Ability to Include, which he founded in 2021, direct the program.

"The parents who were running this were burned out," he said.

He found that running, and expanding, the program was going to take a lot of effort.

"We wanted to build a truly accessible soccer pitch," he said. "We were looking to take this program to the next step. Every ability belongs here."

To make forward strides, Collins knew that "money makes the world go round."

Photo by Jay Heater

He began conversations with Manatee County about hoping to improve the TopSoccer space at Lakewood Ranch Park by adding the region's first universal soccer pitch. The county, which owns the park, has been trying to make strides to enhance its all-access opportunities for those with special needs.

In April 2024, Manatee County opened an ADA playground at Tom Bennett Park with funding help from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. In March 2025, the county added an ADA-compliant swing to Lakewood Ranch Park with funding from Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch's Making a Difference Club.

But Collins needed additional help as well. He filled out a grant request with the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. He received $10,000.

"He reached out and told us about the program," said Kate Mulligan, the executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. "For us, it was a full-circle moment. This was an opportunity to fund them again.

"We thought this project deeply affects a large number of kids. These are the kinds of programs we are looking for to support. For one, this program is permanent. For the kids, this program is greatly important to them."

Mulligan said her board has been discussing ways to assist such programs.

"We have discussed starting a nonprofit leadership group," she said. "We want to focus on other ways to help nonprofits. We would like to connect them with volunteers. We are buying new software that is going to be on our website (LWRCF.org). People will be able to see it every day of the year. Those who want to volunteer can find what they want ... 'I want to work with animals, or with kids, or ...'"

She said nonprofits can explain what they need and volunteers can find the perfect fit.

Collins said the TopSoccer program can always use more volunteers. He said students would be more than welcome.

"What better way to earn public service hours?" he said.

On Feb. 14, Alan Wagar watched as his 15-year-old daughter, Izzie, played with her buddy, Arshia Arora, a student at LECOM.

"It is great that she has been able to play a game that otherwise she wouldn't have a chance to play because of a disability," Wagar said. "My daughter has been doing this for 10 years and she is extremely comfortable here.

"These kiddos with disabilities are underserved, so having something like this means so much."