What is the EPIC Program?

EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In our Community.

Launched in 1991, AYSO’s VIP Program (now EPIC) was established to give players with intellectual and physical challenges, the opportunity to play and enjoy the beautiful game.

The EPIC rebrand is designed to remind AYSO members and the surrounding community that AYSO is a place that everyone can play, no matter your ability. We are so excited to also have one of our longstanding partners, Augusta Sportswear, be a part of this rebrand in supporting existing and new programs with resources, from free uniforms for players and buddies, grants for equipment and marketing collateral to help spread the word.

AYSO Board Member, Penney Wakefield, stated, “the refreshed brand captures our energy, belief and support of this wonderful program! The support AYSO partner, Augusta Sportswear is providing, will help revitalize and we are very appreciative. We have a qualified and energetic volunteer leadership team who will be focusing on updating existing materials to reflect innovative and current methodology.”

As part of US Soccer’s Disability Organizations, AYSO intends to further establish the EPIC Program throughout the country.

For more information, please email [email protected].


Click the image above to view a short two minute video demonstration

EPIC PROGRAM (SPRING 2024) 

Session Frequency: Once a week

EPIC PROGRAM SCHEDULE REMINDER
Session Time: Fridays from 4:30pm - 5:15pm   
Location: Torrey Pines Park (Warm Springs Fields - Field 4A)

Coordinator: Shauna Glicker -  [email protected]

First Session: Friday, March 15th, 2024
Final Session: Friday, May 10th, 2024

Everyone Plays

The mission of the AYSO Epic 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. What is successful participation? It should be defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.

The AYSO VIP Program was officially launched in 1991 for players with physical and/or mental disabilities. At that time, and for some years following its inception, participation in the program was limited to ambulatory children through the age of 18.  Several years later, the ambulatory restriction was removed and the age limit extended to the length of time the player remained in school, which varied from state to state. In 1999, recognizing a VIP player's need for ongoing fitness and leisure activities into adulthood, the AYSO National Board of Directors removed the upper age limit for VIP players entirely. The minimum age corresponds to AYSO's age eligibility – currently 4 years of age by July 31 prior to the start of the playing season or, in some Regions with permission of the Section Director, by the date of the Region's first organized activity – camp, practice or game.

Fields: Play on smaller field (6U for younger players, 8U or 10U for older players; smaller goals or a set of cones fit the smaller field better).

Equipment: Shin guards are required; soccer cleats are optional; size 5 ball; occasionally play with a large ball (3 feet in diameter); have pinnies available.

Schedule "Same" Games: Same day of the week; same time (mornings are typically best); same field (allow for handicap parking); same direction (do not switch direction halfway through the game).

Volunteers
Use buddies; Coaches may be on the field; 1:1 ratio (Parent or parent designee of majority age must be present for each player). 

Additional
May play against: other Epic teams; mainstream teams (10U through 14U); a team of "buddies."  
Always play short sided; four 10-minute quarters, to be adjusted as needed.

Be flexible! FUN, FAIR AND SAFE are the words for Epic!

EPIC 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 EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation.

As with all AYSO volunteers, Buddies must be registered before they participate with the Epic players at practices or games. Each year, volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application Form, register with, and be accepted by the Region where they plan to participate. Buddies under the age of 18 years old must register using the AYSO Youth Volunteer Application.

Training and certification is required by AYSO for all volunteers for their own protection and for the protection of the players. Epic buddies have two choices: they can attend a one-hour special Epic Buddy Training & Certification workshop or, if possible, attend the 2.5 hour Epic Volunteer Training.

EPIC & How it Relates to AYSO's Six Philosophies 

The AYSO EPIC Program is designed to give children and adults a soccer experience that incorporates the six AYSO Philosophies:

Everyone Plays: In EPIC, Everyone Plays without regard for their disability.

Balanced Teams: Teams are created to maximize opportunities for player participation in age-appropriate groups for maximum player safety and experience.

Open Registration: The EPIC Program is open for all athletes with disabilities from ages 4-99. There are no try-outs, and all players are welcome. 

Positive Coaching: Players’ efforts are recognized and encouraged toward achieving their personal goals. The use of EPIC Buddies may support players during the game and create an additional element of positive coaching and support.

Player Development: Players are afforded opportunities to play the ball helping them to build on previously learned skills. Family members are involved in learning soccer fundamentals to support the development of their players. Players are encouraged to participate in physical movement at their individual level to help them maximize their physicality.

Good Sportsmanship: Players learn the importance of teamwork and fair play by recognizing and celebrating the efforts of all team members. Family members are also encouraged to model good sportsmanship by cheering from the sidelines for all players.