AYSO EPIC (formerly VIP) Program Ensures Everyone Plays®
What is AYSO EPIC?
The mission of the AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) Program is to provide athletes with disabilities the additional support they need to fully participate in a quality soccer experience. The ultimate goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide a holistic AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers, from team uniforms, to playing on a team, to cheering from the sidelines, for all participants. Participants include people:
- Blind or visually impaired
- Physical Disabilities – Wheelchairs, AFO’s, Walkers, ETC.
- Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- And More…
Players and their families, along with our volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and beyond! The vision of the AYSO EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation. 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.
For more information, please contact the Region 34 EPIC Administrator - Cristina Aulicino
Everyone Plays®
EPIC helps more than just the players. Buddies and other volunteers increase their appreciation and understanding of individuals with disabilities. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new 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.What is a EPIC Buddy?
The AYSO volunteer position of EPIC Buddy is a non-disabled person intended to guide the EPIC player on the field of play and, when, if no longer needed to assist physically, continues to be part of the player support system from the sideline.
EPIC Buddies assist during the games in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem.
A EPIC Buddy is expected to:
1. Treat all EPIC players with respect
2. Guide the EPIC player physically, if necessary, on the field
3. Encourage the EPIC player verbally, may “guide” the ball but do not “play” the ball
4. Work with the EPIC coach to determine the use of the Buddy on the field for a particular individual or situation
5. Work toward the goal of player independence
6. Have FUN!
Click here to Register as a Buddy
EPIC & How it Relates to AYSO’s Six Philosophies
The AYSO EPIC Program is designed to give children and adults a soccer experience that incorporates the six AYSO Philosophies:
Everyone Plays: In EPIC, Everyone Plays without regard for their disability.
Balanced Teams: Teams are created to maximize opportunities for player participation in age-appropriate groups for maximum player safety and experience.
Open Registration: The EPIC Program is open for all athletes with disabilities from ages 4-99. There are no try-outs, and allplayers are welcome.
Positive Coaching: Players’ efforts are recognized and encouraged toward achieving their personal goals. The use of EPIC Buddies may support players during the game and create an additional element of positive coaching and support.
Player Development: Players are afforded opportunities to play the ball helping them to build on previously learned skills. Family members are involved in learning soccer fundamentals to support the development of their players. Players are encouraged to participate in physical movement at their individual level to help them maximize their physicality.
Good Sportsmanship: Players learn the importance of teamwork and fair play by recognizing and celebrating the efforts of all team members. Family members are also encouraged to model good sportsmanship by cheering from the sidelines for all players.
Click here to Register