*** KEY DATES ***
***These dates are tentative and subject to change***
Registration Opens: October 22, 2023
Registration Closes: At the end of the day, January 31st, 2024*
Back to Soccer: TBD
Practices Begin: TBD
Meet the Coaches: TBD
Picture Day: TBD
Make-Up Picture Day: TBD
First EPIC Session: Week of March 2, 2024
Final EPIC Session: Week of May 4, 2024
Coaches Meeting: TBD
Parent Meeting: TBD
Coach Field Training: TBD at Rancho Bella Vista 2 Park, 31215 Wild Meadow Dr, Murrieta, CA 92563 from 9 AM - 12 PM
Please email [email protected] so we have a proper headcount.
Regional Referee Field Training: TBD at Rancho Bella Vista 2 Park, 31215 Wild Meadow Dr, Murrieta, CA 92563 from 12 - 3 PM
Please email [email protected] so we have a proper headcount.
*** MORE DETAILS ***
Session Frequency: Once a week / TBD
Session Time: 5pm - 6pm
Location: TBD
Coordinator: Alvin Lal Email: [email protected]
The AYSO EPIC Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. EPIC 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 EPIC Administrator
1. What are the age requirements?
To play soccer, the player must have a birth year of 2017. There is no cap out age!
2. What is the cost?
The cost is $60. This includes uniform, pictures, and trophy.
3. What day is practice? What days are games?
EPIC Soccer plays on Friday evenings. Our practice and games are combined in 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! EPIC is flexible and will always adjust accordingly.
4. What time is practice/games?
EPIC is split into two teams. (Varies on number of Players registering)
Team A : Geared for younger less experienced players.
Team B: 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 nonambulatory players play EPIC soccer?
YES! EPIC soccer is open to all players with a special need. EPIC administration strives to make any adjustments needed for all players to have a successful-enjoyable soccer experience.
7. What are Buddies?
Buddies are EPIC’s trained peer one-on-ones. Our goal is to provide each player with a Buddy. EPIC also welcomes ABA assistants on the field. Buddies are non-disabled persons who assist EPIC 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 EPIC 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 a 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 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.
*** ANNUAL REGISTRATION ***
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 ***
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 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 EPIC friends. For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, EPIC 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. EPIC teams can be put together with players who register based on mobility or ability. Older and younger players can also be separated onto different teams when numbers allow.