EPIC: Everyone Plays In our Communities!
What is AYSO EPIC (formerly VIP)?
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.
For over 20 years the American Youth Soccer Organization’s EPIC Program has provided a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. EPIC teams may include:
- Blind or visually impaired
- Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
- Mentally or emotionally challenged
- Autistic
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
EPIC (formerly VIP) & 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.
All our volunteers are trained and certified with AYSO’s Safe Haven and EPIC Training while our coaches and referees have additional job specific training. Our volunteers have found their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new EPIC friends.
Players, plus their families and volunteers, will be enriched by a true AYSO soccer experience – team uniforms, cheering from the sidelines, scoring goals, making friends. Our parents are able to relax and enjoy watching their children having fun and playing a sport perhaps for the first time.
EPIC gives joy and hope.
For more information contact our EPIC Coordinator - Mike Maher at: [email protected]