AYSO has just rebranded its renowned VIP Program…to EPIC, standing for Everyone Plays In our Community.

Launched in 1991, AYSO’s VIP Program 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.

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.

• Blind or visually impaired
• Autistic
• Amputees or conditions that impair mobility
• Downs Syndrome
• Mentally or emotionally challenged
• Cerebral Palsy

Everyone Plays
People with disabilities are members of our community: the children of friends, neighbors, relatives; our classmates and co-workers. Special schools and classrooms can isolate these children, but EPIC provides integration with non-disabled people — or “buddies” — who assist EPIC players on the field. These relationships frequently grow into meaningful friendships.

Our goals for every participating player are to:
- have fun playing soccer
- increase positive self-esteem
- understand soccer fundamentals
- become more physically fit
- learn teamwork and fair play
- meet and be comfortable with new people
 
Everyone Benefits
EPIC benefits all participants, not just the players. Buddies and other volunteers increase their understanding and appreciation of people with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with these new EPIC friends.

For parents and caregivers who may have thought they would never see their children playing a sport and belonging to a group, EPIC renews hope and gives them joy, They are able to relax and enjoy watching their EPIC players having fun like everyone else.
 
The Players
EPIC teams are typically small and coeducational. EPIC teams are balanced by size, mobility and ability rather than by age. When numbers allow, older and younger age divisions may be formed as well. There are no upper age limits for EPIC players. There are a wide variety of ability levels and sizes. Flexibility is the key.

Getting Involved
The season will run from early September to mid-November, with one practice during the week (TBD) and all games on Saturday morning. For more information about our  AYSO EPIC program, contact Coach Kay Holmen at [email protected].

Registration fee: $130
Registration questions: [email protected]