VIP Program
 - for players with physical or mental disabilities

We are excited to announce that we have a VIP program! You can join any time!

The AYSO Very Important Players (VIP) program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities prevent them from successful participation on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include individuals with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, emotional disturbances, visual impairments, or other conditions that limit mobility, strength, and/or comprehension. AYSO VIP players get the unique opportunity to be part of a soccer team for a full season.

EVERYONE PLAYS!
All individuals with disabilities are welcome, starting at age four. Although the typical AYSO program ends at age 18, for VIP players playing on VIP teams there are no upper age limits. The focus is on participation and fun! VIP coaches are flexible and positive, finding a way for all players to participate as fully as they are able.

EVERYONE BENEFITS!
Through participation in VIP soccer, individuals with disabilities experience the thrill of belonging to a team, wearing uniforms, and making new friends. They learn new skills and develop physical fitness while enjoying the game of soccer.
VIP benefits all participants, not just the players! Non-disabled players assist VIP players on the field as “buddies”. They learn to understand and appreciate people with disabilities and form friendships.
For parents who thought they would never see their children having fun playing a sport, VIP gives them joy.

All VIP games will be played on Saturdays at 4:00 PM on field 23 at the Tuma Soccer Complex.

You can register at any time during the season and have you player join us!

On the listed game dates, practice & game will be combined. On these dates, a practice session will be followed by a game. Each practice/game session will start at 4:00 PM on field 23.

On game day, your player needs to be ready with:

• Shin Guards - These are mandatory for all AYSO practices / games, so make sure you have a pair that fits comfortably.  The shin guards will have to be totally covered by the socks.  You can purchase these from most of the local big name retailers or soccer outlets. Dick’s Sporting Goods has a good variety.
• Shoes - No requirement on special shoes, you can wear soccer cleats or regular tennis shoes as you prefer.  If you choose to wear cleats just make sure you get a pair that does not have a "toe cleat".  That's the big difference between soccer shoes, and shoes designed for other sports.
• Soccer Ball - Size 5 ball is recommended as it is larger and easier to see and kick.

Fall 2023/Spring 2024 season:

Fall 2023 practice/game schedule:
 - Saturday, September 9
 - No practice/game on 9/16/2022 because of unavailability of the fields
 - Saturday, September 23
 - Saturday, September 30
 - Saturday, October 7
 - Saturday, October 14
 - Saturday, October 21
 - Saturday, October 28
 - Saturday, November 4

Spring 2024 practice/game schedule:
 - Saturday, April 6
 - Saturday, April 13
 - Saturday, April 20
 - No practice/game on April 27 because of unavailability of the fields
 - Saturday, May 4
 - Saturday, May 11
 - Saturday, May 18
 - No practice/game on May 25 because of Memorial Day weekend
 - Saturday, June 1

Fee for Fall 2023/Spring 2024 season: $50 per player ($30.00 for returning players who do not need a new uniform)
Fee includes uniform -- 2 jerseys, shorts, & socks, National AYSO membership, Soccer Now magazine, & supplemental accident insurance. The fee covers Spring. You can register at any time during the season and have your player join us!

Looking for volunteers!

We are looking for volunteers to help setup and run the VIP program. If you are interested, then contact the VIP Administrator at vip@ayso-cr.org.

Also needed:
 - VIP Coaches
 - VIP Referees
 - VIP Buddies

VIP Administrator

The administrator for our VIP Program is Becka Erb. You can contact Becka at vip@ayso-cr.org.