| AYSO VIP Parent Orientation and Player
Registration is August 30, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jaycee Room at the Soto
Sports Complex on Ash Street in Arroyo Grande. The Jaycee Room is located in
the brick building between the Basin (Volunteer and Ikeda fields) and Santos
Field. |
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
» Blind or visually impaired
» Amputees or conditions that impair mobility
» Mentally or emotionally challenged
» Autistic
» Downs Syndrome
» Cerebral Palsy
These kids 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.
PROGRAM GOALS
Kids with special needs are
estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special
schools and classrooms can isolate these children so the VIP Program has been
structured to integrate our special kids into the rest of AYSO by using
"buddies" from non-VIP teams to help these players 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
 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.
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Arroyo
Grande
