What is "VIP" Soccer?

The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Very Important Player (VIP) program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities prevent them from successful participation on mainstream teams.

 

VIP teams may include individuals with Down syndrome or mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, emotional disturbances, visual impairments, or other conditions that limit mobility, strength, and/or comprehension.

 

The VIP program

EVERYONE PLAYS!

All individuals with disabilities are welcome, starting at age four. Although the typical AYSO program ends at age 18, for VIP players playing on VIP teams there are no upper age limits.

The focus is on participation and fun! VIP coaches are flexible and positive, finding a way for all players to participate as fully as they are able.

If you thought your son or daughter could not play soccer, think again! With VIP soccer, dreams become realities.

 

EVERYONE BENEFITS!

 

Through participation in VIP soccer, individuals with disabilities experience the thrill of belonging to a team, wearing uniforms, and making new friends. They learn new skills and develop physical fitness while enjoying the game of soccer. VIP benefits all participants, not just the players! Non-disabled players assist VIP players on the field as “buddies”. They learn to understand and appreciate people with special needs. For parents who thought they would never see their children having fun playing a sport, VIP gives them joy and hope.

 

The VIP program carries the AYSO philosophy of “Everyone Plays” to a new height, giving everyone a chance to play. Through participation in VIP soccer, the goal for every player is to:

• 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

 

Coaches and Buddies are needed. Anyone age 12 and up can be a VIP buddy.

What is a VIP Buddy:

• A buddy is a helper on the field and can walk/run with a player who is mobility-challenged.
• A buddy can encourage a player and “feed” the ball to him/her
• A buddy must accompany a player in a wheelchair – can propel the player safely and watch for other players
• A buddy can help to monitor players for signs of fatigue, stress, overheating or conditions that compromise their safety
• A buddy can make friends with the players and gain their confidence
• A buddy can help to make players independent – but stay on to be a supporter and a friend!
  
  Davis AYSO provides Community Service credits for its volunteers.
  

VIP Vision Statement: What would we like to see?

The vision of the AYSO VIP Program is to create VIP teams in every AYSO region wherever possible, and to maximize opportunities for VIP player participation where VIP teams are not available.

How a VIP Program Works?

VIP players sign up at the same registrations, play on the same fields, wear the same uniforms, and enjoy all the other benefits afforded every AYSO player. While all special needs children possible should be placed on existing regional teams, VIP teams are created for the children whose challenges would prevent them from experiencing success in the regular program. These VIP players are integrated into the region through the assistance and encouragement of "buddies" from other teams. Their needs are monitored closely by coaches, referees, parents – present at every game – and the VIP Director who oversees the program, thereby ensuring safety and fun for all.Teams are all coed and there are three age groups:

 

• 5 to 7 year olds
• 8 to 11 year olds
• 12 to 18 year olds

REGISTRATION AND FEE
Registration is FREE for all VIP players!

Before you come to registration, pre-register on line. From the home page, click on Season/Fall/Registration then follow instructions for pre-registering via eayso.org. Print the registration form and bring it to the walk-in registration event. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PRINT A SUPPLEMENTAL FORM FOR THE VIP PROGRAM.

 

Who: Children 4 to 18 years of age AND ADULTS ( NO UPPER AGE LIMIT)

When: Wednesday June 4, 6:00-9:00pm

Where: Davis AYSO Building

 

For More Information contact:

JP Marié, VIP Coordinator,

(530) 753-4093

---

VIP PROGRAM

C/O DAVIS AYSO REGION 218

P.O. BOX 1602, DAVIS, CA 95617

OR

Information line (530) 979-1344

OR

(VIP Coordinator)

GAMES
The season begins (TBA). Games/practices will be held every (TBA). A map of the Community Fields can be located here.

More Detailed Goals and Objectives of the VIP Program

VIP Players will:

1. Goal: Have fun playing soccer!

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Keeping everything positive
   2. Having adults model relaxed body language and smiles!
   3. Giving lots of sidelines cheers
2. Goal: understand the fundamentals of the game

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Establish a relationship with the players
   2. Teaching one skill at a time
   3. Using games to make learning fun
3. Goal: Learn teamwork and fair play

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Building teamwork into drills and practices
   2. Talking about teamwork with players
   3. Rewarding positive effort
4. Goal: Increase positive self-esteem

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Establishing individual, realistic goals with players
   2. Encourage effort towards goals, no matter how small
   3. Recognizing players for aching their goals
5. Goal: Become more physical fit at their level

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Stressing the importance of warm ups and stretching
   2. Encouraging each player to maximize his/her physical potential
6. Goal: Meet and be comfortable with new people

   Accomplished with these objectives:

   1. Preparing buddies and others working directly with the players by discussion and role playing
   2. Encouraging but not forcing extremely shy players

This year's Soccerfest will be held ... (TBA)! All VIP players are invited to come and participate!