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AYSO Region 143

AYSO EPIC

AYSO VIP is now EPIC
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.

What is AYSO EPIC?
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.  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.

What is an EPIC Buddy?
EPIC 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 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.

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 all players 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.

EPIC PROGRAM

EPIC IN REGION 143
The EPIC program takes place during the Fall Core season, which starts in September and ends in November. Teams usually practice one day per week with games on Saturday mornings.

REGISTRATION
To register, click the "Register Now" button at the top right portion of the page; registration remains open throughout the entire season.
Fees are $25 at all times*

*AYSO charges a membership fee annually (not included in our registration fees) which covers your child for any program registered during the season. This fee is non-refundable and goes directly to the national office to cover insurance and other resources provided by the national office.
  
AYSO EPIC Program Ensures Everyone Plays

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. 

EPIC teams may include:
  • Blind or visually impaired
  • Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
  • Mentally or emotionally challenged
  • Autistic
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please send email to [email protected]

HISTORY OF THE VIP PROGRAM

History of VIP Soccer

The AYSO VIP Program was officially launched in 1991 for players with physical and/or mental disabilities. At that time and for some years following its inception, participation in the program was limited to ambulatory children through the age of 18. Several years later the ambulatory restriction was removed and the age limit extended to the length of time the player remained in school, which varied from state to state. 

In 1999, recognizing a VIP player's need for ongoing fitness and leisure activities into adulthood, the AYSO National Board of Directors removed the upper age limit for VIP players entirely. The minimum age corresponds to AYSO's age eligibility – currently 4 years of age by July 31 prior to the start of the playing season or, in some Regions with permission of the Section Director, by the date of the Region's first organized activity – camp, practice or game.

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Contact Us

AYSO Region 143

5312 Sisson Dr 
Huntington Beach, California 92649

Email Us: [email protected]
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