The AYSO VIP (Very Important Player) 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 spectrum or pervasive developmental disorders including fragile x syndrome
- Downs Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
These kids 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 Plays® to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.
PROGRAM GOALS
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up more than 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", who are a little older, have played soccer and more typical in their development.
Our goals for every participating player are:
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have fun playing soccer
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understand the fundamentals of the game
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learn teamwork and fair play
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increase positive self-esteem
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become more physically fit
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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 are co-ed, with children having a variety of needs. Coaches and administrators have experience with special needs kids and have specialized training. As the program is still fairly new for this district, the VIP group is "self -contained", using the buddies as role models. Soon we hope to have some additional integration (including games) with the "typical" age group teams.
The program is designed to be flexible and creative. Players can be drawn from several neighboring Regions.
Ensuring the success of players and volunteers in VIP is a priority, so each VIP program and operates within the existing structure of an AYSO Region to ensure that volunteers and players have the full support of the Region and its resources.
There are potential VIP players in your local schools and communities. These kids, with your help, can have the benefits of sports participation in a supportive, fun environment.
The cost of the VIP program is $80 and can not be paid online when registering. To sign-up please follow the instructions on the Registration tab, however do not pay online. Payment should be by check sent to HP AYSO, PO Box 99, Highland Park, IL 60035.