Wisconsin Soccer Central

Wisconsin youth soccer players have a chance to meet U.S. women's national team star striker Abby Wambach – and even play in a game with the 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.

The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association announced that Wambach will be a partner in a fundraiser for the state's TOPSoccer and Soccer Across America programs.

Players who raise $250 or more will be invited to attend a luncheon with Wambach on Nov. 2 at Brookfield Indoor Soccer Complex, along with a parent or guardian. The event includes a question-and-answer session, and the top 64 fundraisers will participate in a game with the Western New York Flash forward.

"I'm thrilled to team up with WYSA to raise both money and awareness for TOPSoccer and Soccer Across America," Wambach said in a news release. "I can't wait to meet all the young soccer players of Wisconsin on November 2."

Wambach, who celebrated her 33rd birthday with two assists in Sunday's 3-0 win over Canada, has scored 155 goals in her illustrious international career – just three behind world record-holder Mia Hamm – in 204 career caps.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) provides soccer opportunities for youth with mental or physical disabilities, while Soccer Across America focuses on children from low-income families who might not otherwise be able to afford playing soccer.

To register for the event or to contribute to a participant's fundraising account, visit WYSA's Play Hard Play Fair website. For questions, contact Mike Walby at mwalby@wiyouthsoccer.com or 888-328-9972, ext. 103 or send an email to questions@wysaplayhardplayfair.org.

• Tommy Alioto (Milwaukee Madison), who played for the Milwaukee Wave during a 15-year pro career and has a vast coaching resume, is the new director of coaching at Appleton SC. Alioto has coached club soccer at Milwaukee Sport Club, Mequon United, FC Milwaukee, Lake Country United and Sockers FC Wisconsin over the past 25 years, and also had stints at Mequon Homestead High School and professionally with the Wave, Fort Wayne Flames and the Milwaukee Rampage.