RUSSELL WALTERS AYSO 300 VIP PROGRAM

2010 Spring Season Information

The AYSO Board of Region 300 is pleased to announce that it will conduct its sixth year of the VIP program. The VIP program is recreational soccer for special needs kids of all ages who are unable to participate in regular AYSO. This past year, we had 25 players enrolled in this program with ages that ranged from 4 to 13 years of age. The players are grouped according to age and ability. Each group will hold a combination of practices and games.

All players will receive uniforms and participation trophies. Players outside of Region 300 are invited to join.

Dates: Saturdays - May 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Northeast Park, located just of west of Gilbert Avenue between 39th St. and Ogden in Western Springs.

Registration: Unlike other AYSO divisions, our registration is always open. If you know of any child interested in playing from 4 years old on up, please have their parents contact me at this email.

MORE INFORMATION...

All players must have shin guards and should bring their own ball.  Make sure the ball has your name on it.

We will need volunteers for the four Saturdays to bring water and post-game snacks/drinks. Please let me know which dates you'd like to volunteer.

If there is a problem with uniforms, let me know and we can get a replacement.

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.