 | EPIC Program | |
Launched in 1991, AYSO’s VIP Program was established to give players with intellectual and physical challenges, the opportunity to play and enjoy the beautiful game.
AYSO has rebranded its renowned VIP Program to EPIC, standing for Everyone Plays In our Community.
The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide athletes with disabilities the additional support they need to fully participate in a quality soccer experience. The ultimate goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide a holistic AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers, from team uniforms, to playing on a team, to cheering from the sidelines, for all participants.
Volunteer buddies help our athletes not only participate but excel in this wonderful program.
Based on last year's participation, EPIC will have 4 teams consisting of approximately 50 athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities ranging in age from 5 to 50 years. Buddies, "helpers" are permitted on the field
- EPIC 1: beginners, co-ed, slow-paced, age: 5-10
- EPIC 3: all girls, some skilled players, slower pace; age: teenage – young adult
- EPIC 4: all boys, many skilled players, competitive; age: teenage – young adult
- EPIC 5: co-ed team, competitive, skilled players; age: adult
Practices are during the week. The day, time and place are picked by the coaches.
The gams are Saturday during the fall season, Region 9’s EPIC athletes enjoy playing soccer. We are asking our 10U, 12U and 14U coaches to have their team scrimmage one of the EPIC teams at least once or twice during the season.
EPIC 1: Requesting 10U teams to play EPIC 1 - 10UG teams have been SCHEDULED to play EPIC1 at 10:30am, field H
EPIC 3: Requesting 12U teams to play EPIC 3 - 12UG teams have been SCHEDULED to play EPIC3 at 9:30am, field L
EPIC 4: Requesting 12U teams to play EPIC 4 - 12UB teams have been SCHEDULED to play EPIC4 at 9:30am, field M
Coaches from these 3 Core Divisions should check their team's online schedule before the season starts so that they know when their team is playing a EPIC team.
EPIC 5: Requesting 14U and United teams to play EPIC 5
Please don’t hesitate to contact the EPIC Director, should you have any questions or comments.
Click here to see the EPIC Game Schedule, to see which teams are scrimmaging when.
Thanks for your support of Region 9’s EPIC program!