The 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:

• mentally or emotionally challenged
• autistic
  
• down syndrome
• blind or visually impaired
• amputees or have conditions that impair mobility
  
• cerebral palsy

These players 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.

Getting Everyone Involved

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.

Also, we are looking for youth volunteers to be "VIP buddies" at games and practices. VIP Buddies provide assistance and encouragement to players at practice and games.