VIP stands for Very Important Player. VIP teams consist of players with mental and or physical disabilities that would make it difficult to play on a mainstream soccer team. VIP teams are non competitive and are all about having a great time. AYSO believes that all people need opportunities to enjoy the benefits of sport, of playing on a team, of learning skills, of making friends. The Very Important Player program fills this need, providing opportunities for fitness, fun, and friendship. VIP teams include, but are not limited to the following:

• Blind or visually impaired
• Mentally or emotionally challenged
• Autistic
• Downs Syndrome
• ADD/ADHD
• Amputees or conditions that impair mobility
• Wheel chairs, walkers or other assistive devices
• Cerebral Palsy

Our goal is to get a lot of VIP players out on the soccer field laughing, playing, bonding, accomplishing goals, feeling important and enjoying life. We want parents, siblings, family and friends watching as players learn, build confidence, make friends and smile. It's an amazing thing hanging out with a VIP team. One of the best parts about VIP is that it's completely flexible! If a player wants to pick flowers on the sideline instead of playing the game, that's o.k. If a player wants to stand on the field or just sit and watch, that's o.k. Even if it's at every practice and every game. We don't keep score (although the players always do!) What happens, happens and as long as everyone goes home feeling good about themselves, we have accomplished our goal.

Do we have to live in Paso Robles to join VIP?
AYSO has an open registration policy. Players from any town are welcome.

What are the age requirements?
Players must be at least 4 years old. There is no upper age limit in VIP.

What are the fees?
Thanks to our current sponsors we are able to offer VIP soccer without fees. We would like to offer a 'Thank you ahead of time' for future sponsors who would like to help us continue to keep VIP free for our special needs families.

Yes! Players will receive to keep, a jersey, shorts and socks, as well as a soccer ball, and an end of the season trophy.

How are teams formed?
Teams will be formed based on mental age and physical size of players.  We will meet with each family personally to learn the needs of their player so that they get the most out of VIP.

What abilities are required?
Players at any ability level are encouraged to play. The only requirement is being ready to have fun!

When do we start?
The VIP season runs the same length of time the mainstream season runs. We start practice in the middle of August.

When are practices and games?
There will be one practice a week and games are held on Saturdays. Typically games are in the morning and are at a field easily accessible to bathrooms and the parking lot. Practices run about an hour long. Games are two 20 minute halves. Since we will have extra water breaks, rest breaks, breaks for hugs, etc, games days will be closer to 1 ½ hours long. Practices will be all about having fun, and learning basic skills.

What about wheel chairs and other assistive devices?
All assistive devices are welcome out on the field. All players in wheelchairs or using walkers must be accompanied by a Buddy. (more about Buddies in a second). There are also wheelchair bumpers that help players with limited mobility navigate the ball in front of their feet. Bumpers will be made and given to players who need them. Padding for walkers will also be provided. We also have balls with bells inside for blind players. When a necessary special piece of equipment is brought to our attention, we'll get it.

What are buddies?
Buddies are people who do not have special needs who get out onto the field with VIP players and help out accordingly. Buddies are expected to guide players (if necessary) on the field, encourage players, and work toward the goal of player independence. Buddies must be open minded, have a basic idea of soccer and have a huge heart. Buddies will also have to fill out a registration form and become certified. Certification class is free and will only take about two hours. Buddies can be as young as 10 and will be chosen based on maturity level.

What teams do the VIP teams play?
Mainstream teams are invited to come out and play the VIP teams before or after their regularly scheduled games. They are also given one bi-week each season, and will have the opportunity to spend that Saturday with the VIP teams. Again, it is non competitive and will be a fun soccer game. If there is a Saturday where we don't have a mainstream team to play, then we'll do a parents against players game, or we'll play against each other. We'll just go with it. Flexibility. It's key.

What can I do to help?
You can volunteer as a Coach or Buddy or Referee. All volunteers must fill out a registration form. Coaches, Referees and Buddies will attend a 2 hour VIP certification class. That's it! It's so easy and the rewards are so great.

You can become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive an AYSO VIP Sponsor plaque, and will be added to our nylon sponsor banner that is displayed at every VIP game and all AYSO tournaments as well as at picture day. Cash isn't the only way to donate! There is a lot of equipment needed!!

You can spread the word! Tell everyone you know and even people you don't know about VIP.

Contact Nicole Seebart by email at [email protected] or by phone at  805.591.0556.