The AYSO Region 603 VIP Soccer 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 those who are:
· blind or visually impaired
· amputees or conditions that impair mobility
· mentally or emotionally challenged
· Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
· Downs Syndrome
· Cerebral Palsy
. ADHD
The VIPs are Very Important Players in AYSO. We recognize that all players 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.
The Region 603 AYSO VIP Soccer season runs from the end of August thru the middle of November, with 1.5-hour practices every Tuesday and Thursday night, and games every Saturday morning.
Registration begins in May, with no cutoff dates. You may still sign up after the season begins. Players from neighboring cities and regions are also welcome to register and join in on the fun!
Program Goals
The VIP Program has been structured to encourage players to participate in AYSO by using "buddies" from non-VIP teams to help players in need of assistance both on - and off - the field. Players are taught basic skills and fundamentals of the game. Practices are structured with the hopes of transferring learned techniques onto the game 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
Everyone Plays
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.
Ensuring the success of players and volunteers in VIP is a priority, so our VIP program operates within the existing structure of our AYSO Region 603 to ensure that volunteers and players have the full support of this Region and resources. Our VIP teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players form their own divisions. This program is designed to be flexible and creative, based off the needs of our players like participants on an AYSO team.
VIP Buddy Flyer
Contact Info
Robert Magallanes- [email protected]