What Is EPIC? (Formally VIP)
AYSO EPIC Program Ensures Everyone Plays®
The AYSO EPIC Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. Players may be as young as 4 years old and there is no upper age limit. EPIC teams may include:
Blind or visually impaired
Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
Mentally or emotionally challenged
Autistic
Down syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
EPIC 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 EPIC friends. For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, EPIC 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 play during the Fall season. Registration begins in the Spring. Teams typically practice once a week and games are played around San Diego County on Saturday mornings
Teams can have as few as three players and may be co-ed. EPIC 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 contact the EPIC Coordinator for details and more info. [email protected]
The Area 11R EPIC program is operated under the direction of the Area R VIP Coordinator and the Area R Director in accordance with the AYSO National VIP programs.