What Is VIP?

AYSO VIP Program Ensures Everyone Plays®

The AYSO VIP (Very Important Players) 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

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.

All players are paired with a buddy who stays with them throughout all games and practices.  This is to ensure the safety of the players and to enrich their playing experience.

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.

 The Area 9B VIP program is operated under the direction of the Area 9B VIP Coordinator and the Area 9B Director in accordance with the AYSO National VIP programs.