EPIC Program

EPIC: All ages

Where every player belongs.

AYSO 669 is trying to launch the EPIC program for South Haven and surrounding areas. Please register for the waitlist to show interest.

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.

Registration Listing

EPIC Program 26-27 Special Needs

To learn more about EPIC: https://ayso.org/epic/

Until 2023, EPIC was known as VIP.

EPIC - 12+

Registration closes on 07/31/2027 at 11:59 PM
Season Dates: 09/12/2026 to 07/31/2027
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$0.00

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EPIC - 12U

Registration closes on 07/31/2027 at 11:59 PM
Season Dates: 09/12/2026 to 07/31/2027
Show Details

$0.00

+ Register Now

Team Personnel Listing

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Positions

EPIC Program 26-27 Special Needs

Youth EPIC Buddy EPIC Buddies are helpers who support players during activities and games. Buddies help create a positive, inclusive, and fun soccer experience.

EPIC Buddies are helpers who support players during activities and games. Buddies help create a positive, inclusive, and fun soccer experience.

Assistant Coach

Head Coach

Team Manager

Fund Raising

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EPIC Volunteers

Volunteers working directly with EPIC players should be trained before the season begins.

Training helps reduce risk, supports a positive player experience, and gives volunteers the tools needed to serve players well.

Volunteer training may include:

EPIC Volunteer Training before the season begins
Safe Haven training
Age-appropriate AYSO coach training for EPIC coaches
Referee support or guidance for EPIC games
EPIC Buddy Training for buddies assisting players on the field

EPIC coaches should complete EPIC Volunteer Training and appropriate AYSO coaching courses. At minimum, EPIC coaches should complete the 6U Coaching Course and use the EPIC Coach Manual.

Buddies should receive training appropriate to their role before assisting players on the field. Buddies over the age of 12 must complete AYSO Safe Haven.

Become an EPIC Buddy

What is an EPIC Buddy?

EPIC Buddies are helpers who support players during activities and games.

Buddies may help players:

Stay engaged in the activity
Understand directions
Move safely around the field
Build confidence
Celebrate goals, teamwork, and effort

Buddies help create a positive, inclusive, and fun soccer experience.

FAQ

Who is eligible?

Any child whose physical or mental abilities make it difficult to successfully participate on a mainstream team. EPIC teams may include blind or visually-impaired players, amputees or with conditions that impair mobility, mentally- or emotionally-challenged players, and players with Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy.

We recognize that all people need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The EPIC Program offers that acceptance and carries the philosophy Everyone Plays to a new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.

What do players need at practice/game?

Each player is required to wear shin guards and cleats or closed toed tennis shoes. Players also need a size 5 soccer ball and water!

Questions?

Email our EPIC program coordinator at [email protected].

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