VIP - COED
FACTS OF VIP SOCCER
The AYSO VIP (Very Important Players) 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, and
- Cerebral Palsy.
For more information, please contact the Region VIP Coordinator
1. What are the age requirements?
To play soccer, the player must have the birth year of 2018. There is no cap out age!
2. What is the cost?
The cost is $60. This includes a uniform, pictures, and a trophy.
3. What day is practice? What days are the games?
VIP Soccer plays on Friday evenings at the same time and on the same field. Our practice and games are combined at the same hour. On a perfect Friday, we spend the first part of the hour doing a warm-up and drills. The latter part of the hour is game time! VIP is flexible and will always adjust accordingly.
4. What time is practice/games?
VIP is split into two teams. (Varies on the number of Players registering)
Team A 5-5:45 PM: Geared for younger less experienced players.
Team B 6-7 PM: Geared for older more experienced players.
Players are placed on the team we believe they will be most successful on. New players will start on team A and move to team B by week two of practice if needed.
5. What do players need at practice/game?
Each player is required to wear shin guards and cleats or closed-toed tennis shoes. Players also need a size 5 soccer ball and water!
6. Can non-ambulatory players play VIP soccer?
YES! VIP soccer is open to all players with special needs. VIP administration strives to make any adjustments needed for all players to have a successful-enjoyable soccer experience.
7. What are Buddies?
Buddies are VIPs trained peer one-on-ones. Our goal is to provide each player with a Buddy. VIP also welcomes ABA assistants on the field. Buddies are non-disabled persons who assist VIP players on the field, and often have a life-changing experience! For perhaps the first time, they are interacting with a special needs individual. They witness the effort and determination as many players struggle with physical limitations but never give up. They learn to see and appreciate them as people and form friendships with them. They will most likely never view people with disabilities in the same way again. What an education… and it’s free!
It is essential to have a number of buddies on hand for beginning VIP players who will need them. The best buddies are peers of the players -older elementary, middle school, high school, and even college students - not parents. Some nervous parents will find it hard to “let go.” This is why it is essential for buddies to introduce themselves at the pre-season parent meeting, and to let parents know that their preferred role is supportive – not active – one.
There are several reasons why peers make good buddies: the players may respond better to peers; peer buddies begin to form friendships with the players; peer buddies learn and grow from performing a positive, affirming service.
As with all AYSO volunteers, Buddies must be registered before they participate with the VIP players at practices or games. Each year, volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application Form, register, 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.