The AYSO VIP (Very Important Player) Program was designed to provide a quality soccer experience for kids (ages 3 and up) whose physical/mental challenges prevent them from successfully participating on a “typical” team.
VIP Objectives:
- To give ALL players the opportunity to play ball
- To teach teamwork and fair play
- To learn the basic skills of the game at the pace of each individual player
- To encourage maximum participation for each player
- And, most importantly, to have fun!
Our VIP teams participate in all regional activities such as Opening Day festivities, Picture Day and our an 8-12 week season. Also an end of season Section VIP tournament hosts kids all over Section 11.
The program runs in parallel with the Fall Play program. The registration date is held in early spring; please check the website for the exact date and time.
Another very important opportunity offered is mainstream players that participate in the VIP Program as “buddies”. The lower division VIP players are paired with a mainstream player who can assist and give direction to our players if needed. This program gives the “buddies” a chance to get to know our players as individuals and friends. It’s a positive experience for all involved.
Our VIP Program also has an upper division for older kids who have had more experience and there is no age limit for these players.
AYSO recognizes that EVERYONE needs to feel like they belong and that they are accepted. The soccer program allows our VIP players the chance to experience all of this and more.
What is AYSO VIP?
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Successful participation is defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.
What is a VIP Buddy?
VIP Buddies assist during the games in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem. Players and their families, along with our volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and beyond! The vision of the AYSO VIP Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for VIP player participation.
What are the VIP Goals and Objectives?
Goal: Players will have fun playing soccer
Objectives:
- To introduce all skills by using games
- To allow players to set the pace
- To relax and be flexible
- To keep everything positive
Goal: Players will understand the fundamentals of the game
Objectives:
- To give each player plenty of opportunities to play the ball
- To build skills on the success of previously learned skills
- To involve family members in learning soccer fundamentals
Goals: Players will learn teamwork and fair play
Objectives:
- To build teamwork and fair play into practice sessions
- To encourage team identity by wearing uniforms and participating in team get-togethers
- To reward positive effort when teamwork and fair play are observed
Goal: Players will increase their self-esteem
Objectives:
- To establish individual, realistic goals with players
- To encourage effort toward goals, no matter how small
- To recognize player effort and achievement
Goal: Players will become more physically fit
Objectives:
- To encourage maximum participation in physical movement for each player at his or her level
- To facilitate player participation in off-season physical activities or sports
Goal: Players will meet and be comfortable with new people
Objectives:
- To encourage parents to play a supportive, not active, role during games
- To facilitate the development of positive player relationships with buddies and other volunteers
- To utilize community helpers