The EPIC Program

The EPIC (formerly 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. 

Everyone Plays In our Community (EPIC)

We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The EPIC program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays to new heights, giving everyone a chance to play.

EPIC 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, etc.

GOALS

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.

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 EPIC Program has been structured to integrate our special kids into the rest of AYSO by playing with their typical peers on the field.

EVERYONE PLAYS

EPIC helps more than just the players. Buddies, other volunteers and everyone involved increase their appreciation and understanding of individuals with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new EPIC friends.

For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, EPIC gives them joy and hope. They are able to enjoy watching their children having fun like other kids, perhaps for the first time.

Teams can have as few as five players and may be co-ed, and as with all AYSO teams, EPIC teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players may form their own divisions when numbers allow.