Description
Soccer is for everyone
The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults aged 5 and up whose physical or developmental challenges make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include those who have:
- Impaired Vision
- Impaired Mobility
- Autism
- Downs Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Attention Deficit Disorder, Etc
We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. Through participation in soccer, VIP players experience 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 appreciation of people with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new VIP friends.
Parents and caregivers are able to relax and enjoy watching
their VIP players having fun!
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 Ensuring the success of players and volunteers in VIP is a priority, so each VIP program 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.
