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AYSO
VIP 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
- 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 PlaysŪ to new heights - giving everyone
a chance to play.
PROGRAM
GOALS
Kids
with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 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" from non-VIP teams to help these players both on -
and off - the field.
Our goals
for every participating player are:
- have
fun playing soccer
- understand
the fundamentals of the game
- learn
teamwork and fair play
- increase
positive self-esteem
- become
more physically fit
- 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 can
have as few as five players, may be co-ed, and as with all AYSO teams, VIP teams
are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger
players form their own divisions, too, when numbers allow.
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