VIP Program Information

Program Director: John Mills

• Open to players age 4 through adult.
• Teams meet for one hour, once a week, on Friday evenings, 6pm. 
• The cost of $85 includes 20 weeks of soccer, jersey, shorts & socks. No other registration discounts apply. 
• Volunteers and soccer-buddies (peers) are also welcome

What is AYSO?
The American Youth Soccer Organization is non-profit organization that develops and delivers quality soccer programs in a fun, family environment. Founded in 1964, AYSO now has more than 50,000 teams and more than 650,000 players.

What Is VIP Soccer?
AYSO started VIP Soccer in 1991 for Very Important Players: players with physical or mental challenges that would prevent them from experiencing success in the regular program. AYSO's philosophy of "Everyone Plays" was thus extended to be inclusive of anyone who had the desire to play soccer. We welcome children - and adults - who are:

• blind or visually impaired
• amputees or conditions that impair mobility
• mentally or emotionally challenged
• autistic
• Downs syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
  

What Are The Program Goals?
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. VIP Program has been structured to allow them to safely play soccer in an environment tailored to support their special needs. VIP players are "integrated" into the rest of AYSO by using "soccer buddies" and allowing games against typical teams.

What are the Goals for the Players?
The 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

How Does The Vip Program Work?
VIP players sign up at the same registrations, play on the same fields, wear the same uniforms, and enjoy all the other benefits afforded every AYSO player. Teams will meet for one hour once a week, on Saturday mornings. The players will be divided into teams after the first few weeks, based on the players age, size, and ability. After teams are formed, the weekly meetings will consist of a 30-minute practice followed by a 30-minute game. The teams are co-ed. A parent or other responsible person must stay at the practice/game.

What Are VIP Buddies?
Buddies are special volunteers who partner with a single player for the season. Depending on the needs of the players, Buddies can assist and give direction to players or they can be there just for social interaction (fun!). This program gives the "buddies" a chance to get to know our players as individuals and friends. It's a positive experience for all involved. VIP players who require wheelchairs are the only ones required to have a buddy, for safety reasons. VIP players may sign up with a specific buddy or may request one.

What Are The Age Divisions For VIP Soccer?
The VIP program is open to players ages 4½ through adult. Rather than using strict age groupings, VIP division are determined by a combination of age, size, ability, and the desire of parents and players. Players are assigned to a division when teams are formed.

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.

Volunteer Positions

1) Coaches - one person needed per team
Description: Evaluates abilities of players. Develops goals for players and team. Plans all practices. Instructs assistant coaches on working with players. Coordinates all activities of assistant coaches. Communicates with parents. Ensures safety and fun at all times.
Requirements: Experience and desire to work with children/adults with special needs. Must be a responsible and organized adult.
Commitment: Before season starts, must attend two 3-hour training classes, contact parents, and meet with assistant coaches. Weekly during season, must plan goals and activities, brief assistant coaches, oversee all activities at one-hour practice/game on Saturday mornings, and communicate with parents as needed. Must always be on time and stay for complete practice/game.

2) Assistant Coaches - 3 to 5 people needed per team
Description: Under direction of coach, works with players to develop soccer skills, increase social skills and teamwork, and have fun.
Requirements: Desire to work with special needs players. Must be a responsible person.
Commitment: Before season starts, must attend a 3-hour training class and meet with coach. Weekly during season, get instructions from coach, assist with activities at practice/game on Saturday mornings. Must be on time and stay for complete practice/game.

3) Player-Buddies - one Buddy per player (not mandatory - only if wanted by the player)
Description: Partnered with one special-needs player. Takes direction from coach and assistant coaches. Acts as a peer to help partner with soccer skills and to facilitate social interaction. An active player in games but purpose is mainly to help partner.
Requirements: Desire to work with special needs players, make friends, and have fun.
Commitment: Before season starts, must attend a 3-hour training class. Weekly during season, attend one-hour practice/game on Saturday mornings.

4) Special Needs Professionals - one or two per team.
Description: Observes players and offers advice to coaches.
Requirements: Special Ed Teachers, Therapists: PT, OT, Music, etc.
Commitment: Attend at least the first few practices on Saturday mornings.

5) Competition Coordinator - one person needed
Description: Schedules exhibition games for all VIP teams. Games may be with other AYSO teams, or middle school and high school teams
Requirements: Organization skills. Contacts with school coaches would be helpful.
Commitment: A couple hours per week at most.

6) Sponsorship Coordinator - one person needed
Description: Solicits financial or in-kind sponsorships from local business to offset the costs of uniforms, insurance, special equipment, etc.
Requirements: Good communication skills. Fund raising or marketing experience helpful.
Commitment: A couple hours per week at most.

Handicapped Recreational Information

City of Tempe: http://www.tempe.gov/pkrec/specpop

City of Chandler: http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageID=187