AYSO Region 310 is proud to participate in the AYSO Very Important Player (VIP) Program which provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.
AYSO recognizes that all people 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
Kids with Special Needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-aged population and approximately 20% of the United States population is identified as having some type of disability. Special schools and programs can be isolating, so the VIP Program has been structured to integrate our players into the rest of AYSO by providing a soccer season, and in some cases, using “buddies” – able bodied helpers – to assist players who need assistance, both on and off the field.
VIP helps more than just the players. Buddies and other volunteers increase their appreciation and understanding of individuals with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new VIP friends. For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, VIP gives them joy and hope. They are able to relax and enjoy watching their children having fun like other kids, perhaps for the first time.
VIP soccer's minimum age is 4 years old and there is no upper age limit. Teams can have as few as three players and may be co-ed. VIP teams can be put together with players who register based on mobility or ability. Older and younger players can also be separated onto different teams when numbers allow. Contact our coordinators Eric Stauffer or Doug Ryan at [email protected] for more information.
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