The American Youth Soccer Organization (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.

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. If you thought your son or daughter could not play soccer, think again! With VIP soccer, dreams become realities. 

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 fields 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.

For more information, email: [email protected]

 

Any individual with a mental or physical disability or neurological condition who wants to play soccer and whose disability make it difficult to enjoy playing on a mainstream team. Teams may be comprise of players who are:

• Visually impaired
• Hearing impaired
• Intellectually disabled
• Emotionally challenged

or who may have conditions such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Have conditions that impair mobility (May use walker or wheelchair)