AYSO takes “Everyone Plays” to new heights

August 13, 2010
by Josh Lurie

I’m extremely excited to announce the start of an AYSO Very Important Players (VIP) soccer program in New Castle this fall!  The VIP program provides a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.  My first experience of AYSO’s VIP opportunity was the fantastic program in Tarrytown.  I wanted to re-create that here in our town.

VIP Program Goals

We recognize that all people 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.

Children with special needs are estimated to comprise approximately 10% of the school-aged population, and approximately 20% of the United States population is identified as having some type of disability. The VIP Program has been structured to integrate VIP players into the rest of AYSO by providing a soccer season, and using “buddies”—able-bodied helpers—to give assistance to players who need it, both on and off the field. Our goals for every participating player are:

  * Have fun playing soccer
  * Increase positive self-esteem
  * Become more physically fit
  * Meet and be comfortable with new people
  * Understand the fundamentals of the game
  * Learn teamwork and fair play

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 children, perhaps for the first time.

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.  Please visit the Chappaqua AYSO website to enroll via the standard registration process. Select the “VIP Division” during registration.

Volunteers

If you know of any children who are 14 years old or older who would like to earn community service credits for participating in the buddy system please contact our VIP Coordinator.  Please also contact our VIP Coordinator if you know any adults that would like to volunteer their time assisting with on-the-field coaching.  So far, we’ve gotten a wonderful response from the community.  Please email me with any questions or ideas at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Josh Lurie is Chappaqua AYSO VIP Coordinator parent of three girls. He’s lived in New Castle for four years and has coached soccer for two of his daughters for three of those years.  With the start-up of this VIP program, now all three of his daughters will play soccer.