Providing a Unique and Exciting Soccer Program for Children with Special Needs
VIP Program Director
Shawn Low
The AYSO VIP program was designed to provide a quality soccer experience for children with special needs whose physical, mental or emotional challenges prevent them from successfully participating on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include, but are not limited to, those who are
- Visually impaired
- Amputees or conditions that impair mobility
- Autistic
- Downs Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- ADD/ADHD
These special children are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging, acceptance and accomplishment. The VIP Program offers all of this and carries AYSO’s philosophy that Everyone Plays®.
VIP Goals and Objectives:
- To give children with special needs the opportunity to play soccer
- To learn the basic skills of the game
- To learn teamwork and fair play
- To increase positive self esteem
- To have fun!
An important aspect of the VIP program is the participation of “buddies”. The lower division VIP players (ages 11 and under) are paired with a mainstream player who can assist and give direction to our special players as needed. This program gives our “buddies” a chance to get to know all of our players and provides them with a unique opportunity to “make a difference” in the life of a special needs child.
Our VIP program also has an upper division for older kids (ages 12 and over) who may or may not have had more experience. There is no age limit for these players.
VIP Registration for Fall Season
When: Registration for VIP players will remain open until August 31st
Fee: $50.00 / VIP Player
How: Standard procedure – register player at
www.eayso.com (click VIP Player box)
While formal registration is in April, registration for VIP players will remain open until August 31st. The VIP Program is open to all players whose physical, mental or emotional needs prevent him or her from participating successfully on a mainstream AYSO team.
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this unique program, please contact our VIP Program Director at
[email protected].