AYSO VIP Program

AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children - and adults - 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

These kids are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays® to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.

VIP Soccer began in 1991 for Very Important Players: Children with physical or mental challenges, or a combination of both. AYSO's philosophy of "Everyone Plays" was thus extended to be inclusive of all children who had the desire to play soccer.

VIP VISION STATEMENT: What would we like to see?
The vision of the AYSO VIP Program is to create VIP teams in every AYSO region wherever possible, and to maximize opportunities for VIP player participation where VIP teams are not available.

VIP MISSION STATEMENT: What are we all about?
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental challenges make it difficult for them to successfully participate on regular AYSO teams.

HOW A VIP PROGRAM WORKS
VIP players sign up at the same registrations, play on the same fields, wear the same uniforms, and enjoy all the other benefits afforded every AYSO player. While all special needs children if possible should be placed on existing regional teams, VIP teams are created for the children whose challenges would prevent them from experiencing success in the regular program. Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special schools and classrooms can isolate these children so the VIP Program has been structured to integrate our special kids into the region through the assistance and encouragement of "buddies" from non-VIP teams, to help these players both on and off the field. Teams can have as few as five players, may be co-ed, and as with all AYSO teams, VIP teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players form their own divisions, too, when numbers allow. Their needs are monitored closely by coaches, referees, parents (present at every practice and game) and the VIP Director who oversees the program, thereby ensuring safety and fun for all.

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

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 its resources.

For more information you can e-mail Anna Guzman at vip@ayso1288.org.