Extra Program (Player Pathway)

EXTRA Program (Area 9R)

EXTRA is a program that offers organized soccer for players who want to play at a more competitive level. Club soccer teams are in place in many parts of the country, but for those who want to play harder and still be a part of AYSO, EXTRA is perfect.

All players need to be pre-registered for tryouts.

Use the following link for tryout information, to find out more about EXTRA, and to register.

EXTRA Program

EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In our Community

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. Volunteer buddies help our athletes not only participate but excel in this wonderful program.

https://youtube.com/rB6VG8J46qo

AYSO has EPIC, which stands 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 EPIC – American Youth Soccer Organization

Click here to Register for EPIC Program
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AYSO EPIC Program (Assisted Play Soccer) is Open Registration, Everyone Plays for anyone who just needs a little more assistance on the field or a little more patience and understanding from players, volunteers, and spectators. This program is not just limited to those with disabilities or special needs.

Our VIP Buddies are other players who have a pinnie on during the game and are on the field with the players helping them to get involved in the play. Many of our players need no to little assistance on the field. Our more mobile players participate in games each Saturday during the season at 2 pm with other AYSO teams. Others participate in soccer activities on an adjoining field where they learn soccer skills and interact with each other (similar to our playground and schoolyard programs). Coming soon we will be providing an indoor facility for those who are less mobile and aren't able to play on the outdoor soccer fields (ie wheel chair and walkers needed).

Mission & Vision

VIP Mission Statement
The mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. What is successful participation? It should be defined by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all team members.

VIP Vision Statement
The vision of the AYSO VIP Program is to create VIP teams in every AYSO Region wherever possible and to maximize opportunities for VIP player participation where VIP teams are not available.

Goals & Objectives

Goal: Players will have fun playing soccer
Objectives:

To introduce all skills by using games
To allow players to set the pace
To relax and be flexible
To keep everything positive

Goal: Players will understand the fundamentals of the game
Objectives:

To give each player plenty of opportunities to play the ball
To build skills on the success of previously learned skills
To involve family members in learning soccer fundamentals

Goals: Players will learn teamwork and fair play
Objectives:

To build teamwork and fair play into practice sessions
To encourage team identity by wearing uniforms and participating in team get-togethers
To reward positive effort when teamwork and fair play are observed

Goal: Players will increase their self-esteem
Objectives:

To establish individual, realistic goals with players
To encourage effort toward goals, no matter how small
To recognize player effort and achievement

Goal: Players will become more physically fit
Objectives:

To encourage maximum participation in physical movement for each player at his or her level
To facilitate player participation in off-season physical activities or sports

Goal: Players will meet and be comfortable with new people
Objectives:

To encourage parents to play a supportive, not active, role during games
To facilitate the development of positive player relationships with buddies and other volunteers
To utilize community helpers