American Youth Soccer Organization Region 717

The AYSO 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. VIP teams may include: Blind or visually impaired Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility Mentally or emotionally challenged Autistic Down syndrome Cerebral Palsy These players are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize 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.

 Program Goals
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of 
the school-aged population and approximiately 20% of the United States 
population has special needs.   Special schools and programs can isolate 
these persons, 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. 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

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.

Teams can have as few as three players and may be co-ed. VIP teams 
can be put together with the players who register based on mobility or 
ability. Older and younger players can also be separated onto different 
teams when numbers allow.

Practices are held on Saturdays just prior to game.            
The Fall 2009 season has a 10 game schedule.

The fee is $75 and includes uniform (shirt, shorts, 
socks.) insurance, and awards.



                                
WITH VIP SOCCER, DREAMS 
BECOME REALITY.