AYSO EPIC Program (Assisted Play Soccer), formerly known as VIP, is Open Registration, Everyone Plays for anyone who just needs a little more assistance on the field or a little more patience and understanding from players, volunteers, and spectators. This program is not just limited to those with disabilities or special needs.

Our VIP Buddies are other players who have a pinnie on during the game and are on the field with the players helping them to get involved in the play. Many of our players need no to little assistance on the field. Our more mobile players particpate in games each Saturday during the season at 2 pm with other AYSO teams. Others participate in soccer activities on an adjoining field where they learn soccer skills and interact with each other (similar to our playground and schoolyard programs). Coming soon we will be proviing an indoor facility for those who are less mobile and aren't able to play on the outdoor soccer fields (ie wheel chair and walkers needed). 

The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide athletes with disabilities the additional support they need to fully participate in a quality soccer experience. Volunteer buddies help our athletes not only participate but excel in this wonderful program.

AYSO VIP is now EPIC

AYSO EPIC – American Youth Soccer Organization

AYSO has just rebranded its renowned VIP Program to EPIC, standing for Everyone Plays In our Community.

Launched in 1991, AYSO’s VIP Program was established to give players with intellectual and physical challenges, the opportunity to play and enjoy the beautiful game. The EPIC rebrand is designed to remind AYSO members and the surrounding community that AYSO is a place that everyone can play, no matter your ability. We are so excited to also have one of our longstanding partners, Augusta Sportswear, be a part of this rebrand in supporting existing and new programs with resources, from free uniforms for players and buddies, grants for equipment and marketing collateral to help spread the word.

AYSO is proud to offer a very special program for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. Our VIP (Very Important Player) program provides a safe, fun environment with trained coaches and volunteers who facilitate an enriching experience that the players and their families will cherish forever.

Buddies assist during the games in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem. Players and their families, along with the volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and the list goes on!

For more information, you can reach us at [email protected]

VIP 25th Anniversary from AYSO National Office on Vimeo.

Mission & Vision

VIP Mission Statement 
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. What is successful participation? It should be defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.

VIP Vision Statement 
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.

Goals & Objectives

Goal: Players will have fun playing soccer
Objectives: 

• To introduce all skills by using games 
• To allow players to set the pace 
• To relax and be flexible 
• To keep everything positive 

Goal: Players will understand the fundamentals of the game
Objectives: 

• To give each player plenty of opportunities to play the ball 
• To build skills on the success of previously learned skills 
• To involve family members in learning soccer fundamentals 

Goals: Players will learn teamwork and fair play
Objectives: 

• To build teamwork and fair play into practice sessions 
• To encourage team identity by wearing uniforms and participating in team get-togethers 
• To reward positive effort when teamwork and fair play are observed 

Goal: Players will increase their self-esteem
Objectives: 

• To establish individual, realistic goals with players 
• To encourage effort toward goals, no matter how small 
• To recognize player effort and achievement 

Goal: Players will become more physically fit
Objectives: 

• To encourage maximum participation in physical movement for each player at his or her level 
• To facilitate player participation in off-season physical activities or sports 

Goal: Players will meet and be comfortable with new people
Objectives: 

• To encourage parents to play a supportive, not active, role during games 
• To facilitate the development of positive player relationships with buddies and other volunteers 
• To utilize community helpers