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Times and Places | Style of Play | Other VIP Regions
For details about the 2007 Section 2 VIP Soccerfest, Fall 2007 Registration and other VIP news click here.
The VIP program is a unique division of AYSO for challenged players with physical, mental, or developmental limitations. For program information in the San Francisco East Bay, or to volunteer as a coach, assistant coach, or buddy, contact Pete Gaughan by phone—(925) 687-7987—or by e-mail.
VIP teams are composed only of players with special needs.
VIP teams play arranged games with teams from the general AYSO program, and against other VIP teams when available.
No experience necessary. Players must be 4 years old by July 31. We have VIP teams for all ages, with no upper age limit.
No geographic residency requirements. Practices and games are held in Concord, plus occasional road tournaments; but our players come from as far away as Orinda, Bay Point, Benicia, and San Ramon.
No player is turned away. Half and full scholarships are available!
Registration includes a complete uniform and a ball. The only equipment you need to provide is shin guards, shoes, and a smile!
Most East Bay VIP practices and games take place at Baldwin Park: Parkside Circle at Bonifacio St. in downtown Concord (map). The Baldwin Park fields are reserved for VIP use on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays.
The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults aged 5 and up; the program is open to anyone whose physical or developmental challenges make it difficult to successfully participate on a mainstream team. VIP teams may include those who have:
Impaired vision, hearing, or mobility
Autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, or developmental delays
Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other physical handicaps
Attention Deficit Disorder or related attention/focus challenges
These individuals are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries AYSO's philosophy of Everyone Plays® to new heights—giving everyone a chance to play. 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
Each VIP program is designed for the players in that particular region. Our East Bay teams are carefully organized by age and (when numbers permit) by sex as well as by size, mobility, and physical ability. There is no upper age limit for VIP players as long as they remain on VIP teams. The length of games, style of play, and even the rules are all tailored to the players involved.
In our region, most games are played against slightly older players from non-disabled teams, who are coached on how to play a fun and instructive game against VIP players. As we grow the VIP program, we'll have more chances for VIP teams to play against each other as well.
People with disabilities are members of our community: the children of friends, neighbors, relatives; our classmates and coworkers. 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 AYSO VIP program has been structured to integrate our special players into the rest of AYSO by having non-disabled players—"buddies"—assist them on the field. These relationships frequently grow beyond support into meaningful friendships.
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.
There are many other AYSO regions in northern California and northern Nevada; of those, the following regions have VIP programs:
All regions are listed on the section's web site, with links where available.