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Everyone Plays in our community

AYSO EPIC
Where every player belongs.

AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) provides athletes with disabilities the support they need to participate in a positive, quality soccer experience. The program is designed for players whose physical, intellectual, emotional, or developmental abilities may make participation in a traditional team setting challenging.

EPIC is about more than soccer. It's about friendship, confidence, teamwork, movement, and the joy of being part of the AYSO community. Every player is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to participate at their own level in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.

What Is an EPIC Buddy?

EPIC Buddies are volunteers who provide encouragement and support to help athletes fully participate and succeed in the program.

Depending on a player's needs, a Buddy may help them:

Stay engaged in activities
Understand instructions and game play
Move safely around the field
Build confidence and independence
Celebrate effort, teamwork, and accomplishments

Buddies are not there to play the game for the athlete, but to provide the support needed for each player to enjoy a positive and rewarding soccer experience.

EPIC and the AYSO Six Philosophies

The EPIC program reflects and supports the six AYSO Philosophies that guide every AYSO program.

Everyone Plays®

Every athlete has the opportunity to participate, regardless of ability. In EPIC, every player is welcomed, valued, and given the chance to enjoy the game.

Balanced Teams

Teams are formed to create a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all participants while maximizing opportunities for player involvement and development.

Open Registration

The EPIC program is open to athletes with disabilities. There are no tryouts, and all eligible players are welcome.

Positive Coaching

Players are encouraged and supported as they work toward their individual goals. Coaches, Buddies, and family members help create an environment focused on success, growth, and enjoyment.

Player Development

Athletes are encouraged to learn new skills, participate actively, and develop at their own pace. Families are welcomed as partners in supporting each player's growth and enjoyment of the game.

Good Sportsmanship

Players, volunteers, and families are encouraged to demonstrate respect, teamwork, kindness, and fair play. Success is measured not only by goals scored, but by effort, participation, and supporting one another.

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EPIC Program - Region 18

AYSO VIP is now EPIC

AYSO has just rebranded its renowned VIP Program to EPIC, standing for Everyone Plays In our Community.

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. The EPIC rebrand is designed to remind AYSO members and the surrounding community that AYSO is a place that everyone can play, no matter your ability. We are so excited to also have one of our longstanding partners, Augusta Sportswear, be a part of this rebrand in supporting existing and new programs with resources, from free uniforms for players and buddies, grants for equipment and marketing collateral to help spread the word.

AYSO Board Member, Penney Wakefield, stated, “the refreshed brand captures our energy, belief and support of this wonderful program! The support AYSO partner, Augusta Sportswear is providing, will help revitalize and we are very appreciative. We have a qualified and energetic volunteer leadership team who will be focusing on updating existing materials to reflect innovative and current methodology.”

As part of US Soccer’s Disability Organizations, AYSO intends to further establish the EPIC Program throughout the country. For more information, please email [email protected].

What is AYSO EPIC?

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.

What is an EPIC Buddy?

EPIC Buddies assist during the games in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem. Players and their families, along with our volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and beyond! The vision of the AYSO EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation.

EPIC & How it Relates to AYSO’s Six Philosophies

The AYSO EPIC Program is designed to give children and adults a soccer experience that incorporates the six AYSO Philosophies:

Everyone Plays: In EPIC, Everyone Plays without regard for their disability.

Balanced Teams: Teams are created to maximize opportunities for player participation in age-appropriate groups for maximum player safety and experience.

Open Registration: The EPIC Program is open for all athletes with disabilities from ages 4-99. There are no try-outs, and all players are welcome.

Positive Coaching: Players’ efforts are recognized and encouraged toward achieving their personal goals. The use of EPIC Buddies may support players during the game and create an additional element of positive coaching and support.

Player Development: Players are afforded opportunities to play the ball helping them to build on previously learned skills. Family members are involved in learning soccer fundamentals to support the development of their players. Players are encouraged to participate in physical movement at their individual level to help them maximize their physicality.

Good Sportsmanship: Players learn the importance of teamwork and fair play by recognizing and celebrating the efforts of all team members. Family members are also encouraged to model good sportsmanship by cheering from the sidelines for all players.

Watch the 2024 AYSO Section 11 EPIC Kick or Treat Tournament