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Games are played every Saturday morning at A.E. Wright Middle School,
or occasionally in conjunction with neighboring AYSO programs.
Please contact VIP
Director by email.
The AYSO VIP 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 those who are:
blind or visually impaired
amputees or conditions that impair mobility
mentally or emotionally challenged
autistic
Downs Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
These youngsters are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all
children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program
offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone PlaysŪ to new
heights - giving everyone a chance to play.
PROGRAM GOALS
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up
approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special schools and classrooms
can isolate these children so the VIP Program has been structured to integrate
our special kids into the rest of AYSO by using "buddies" from non-VIP teams to
help these players both on - and off - the field.
Our goals for every participating player are:
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
EVERYONE PLAYS
VIP 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 VIP friends.
For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or
making new friends, VIP 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 five players, may be co-ed, and as with all AYSO teams,
VIP teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older
and younger players form their own divisions, too, when numbers allow.
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