The AYSO Very Important Players (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:
• Blind or visually impaired
• Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
• Mentally or emotionally challenged
• Autistic
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
For information, please contact the Section 7 VIP Director:
Tracey Takase – [email protected]
Download the VIP April 2015 – Volume 1 Newsletter: AYSO-VIP Newsletter 2
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Successful participation is defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.
VIP Goals
These players are Very Important Players in AYSO. We recognize that all people 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. Special schools and programs can be isolating, so the VIP Program has been structured to integrate these players into the rest of AYSO by providing a soccer season, and in some cases, using “buddies” – able bodied helpers – to assist players who need assistance, 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
VIP History in Hawaii
Region 113 (Kaneohe) was the first Hawaii region to start a VIP program in 1991. These early games were played in a gymnasium to control the playing environment. In 1995, Region 48 (Diamond Head) started a program which took the VIP game to an outside soccer field, which increased the visibility of the program, as well as, provide an atmosphere just like a typical soccer game. VIP games are a fan favorite and have grown considerably over the years.
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 three players and may be co-ed. VIP teams can be put together with players who register based on mobility or ability. Older and younger players can also be separated onto different teams when numbers allow.