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Soccer is for everyone

The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults aged 5 and up whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include those who are:

• blind or visually impaired
• amputees or conditions that impair mobility
• mentally or emotionally challenged
• autistic
• Downs Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy

All disabilities are welcome. In the American Youth Soccer Organization, these individuals are Very Important Players (VIP). We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. Through participation in soccer, VIP players experience all of these and more.

Everyone Plays

People with disabilities are members of our community: the children of friends, neighbors, relatives; our classmates and coworkers. Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special schools and classrooms can isolate these children, but VIP provides integration with non-disabled players -- or "buddies" -- who assist VIP players on the field. These relationships frequently grow beyond support into meaningful friendships.

Our goals for every participating player are:

• have fun playing soccer
• understand the fundamentals of the game
• learn teamwork and fair play
• increase positive self-esteem
• become more physically fit
• meet and be comfortable with new people

Everyone Benefits

VIP benefits all participants, not just the players. Buddies and other volunteers increase their understanding and appreciateion of people with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with these new VIP friends.

For parents and caregivers who may have thought they would never see their children playing a sport and belonging to a group, Vip renews hope and gives them joy, They are able to relax and enjoy watching their VIP players having fun like everyone else.

The Players

VIP teams are typically small and coeducational. As few as three players on each side can play. VIP teams are balanced by size, mobility and ability rather than by age. When numbers allow, older and younger age divisions may be formed as well. There are no upper age limits for VIP players as long as they remain on VIP teams, and teams can be formed anywhere. Expect a wide variety of ability levels and sizes. Flexibility is the key.

Getting Started

VIP programs start small. In fact, you can start a VIP program with just a single team that plays a regular AYSO team. The program is designed to be flexible and creative. It need not be limited to one Region, either. Players can be drawn from several neighboring Regions or Regions may form an Area-wide program.

Ensuring the success of players and volunteers in VIP is a priority, so each VIP program and operates within the existing structure of an AYSO Region to ensure that volunteers and players have the full support of the Region and it's resources.

Organizing a VIP program is easier than you might think. There are potential VIP players in your local schools and communities. These kids, with your help, can have the benefits of sports participation in a supportive, fun environment.

For information about enrolling in the Region 211 VIP program, click here to get information on how to contact us.