EPIC

Everyone Plays In Our Community

EPIC

Everyone Plays In our Community (EPIC) Formally VIP

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.

To register your player for EPIC, click Register Now in the upper right corner of our Home Page. If you have an account, then click Login.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
To become a volunteer for EPIC, CLICK HERE.

Visit ayso.org/epic/ for mor information.

Frequently Asked Questions

AYSO REGION 1096
EPIC SOCCER PROGRAM for Children & Adults with Special Needs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the AYSO Region 1096 EPIC Soccer program?
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 1096 (Killen Soccer) offers a Everyone Plays in the Community (EPIC) Soccer program for children and adults with 'special needs.' AYSO National began the EPIC Soccer program in 1991 as part of its commitment to its “Everyone Plays” philosophy.

2. Who can play in EPIC Soccer?
Play is open to anyone with learning, behavioral or physical disabilities. We welcome players at ALL levels of participation and ambulatory skills.

3. What ages can play EPIC?
Children age 4 through adult can play EPIC.

4. How do I sign up my EPIC Player?
Please go to killensoccer.com and register for the EPIC Program.

Late registration is available, but you must contact [email protected]

5. Do I need to register my EPIC player online?
Yes. First visit www.killensoccer.com to complete your application.
Then fill out the EPIC_Player_Information_Form.pdf (wasabisys.com) and email to [email protected]. Printed forms are accepted also.

6. How much is it to register an EPIC Player?
Registration for EPIC Players is $50. (Regular AYSO registration is $99.00). It includes a soccer jersey, complimentary end of season lanyard and pin.

7. How do I know if my child/adult can play EPIC?
We realize many parents, especially those considering EPIC Soccer for the first time, may have questions and concerns. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun EPIC Soccer experience for all players regardless of ability to play. We’re all about “Improving the Lives of Children and Adults with Special Needs through Soccer,”

8. What if my child requires assistance on the field to participate?
We find many players do require assistance to participate. To help them, we have EPIC buddies – student volunteers who help players navigate on the field during games. We invite your input and advice on how to make your player's experience successful and fun.

9. Can other family members volunteer for EPIC?
Absolutely! We welcome all EPIC volunteers! We need coaches, assistant coaches, buddies and team parents. And you don't have to know a lot about soccer! Just be willing to help some special athletes enjoy their time and experience with EPIC. Soccer. Buddy Information Form (wasabisys.com)

If you're interested contact EPIC director Mark Harrison at [email protected]

How can you help?

We need coaches, team parents and buddy volunteers.

Registration Fees

VIP/Special Needs Players = $30 + $20* = $50

The registration fee includes player registration processing fee, AYSO National Membership Player Fee, AYSO Area Registration Fee, player jersey.
Above registration fee includes the NON-REFUNDABLE AYSO National Membership Player Fee ($20.00)
There will be a $2.75 Sports Connect Service Fee per transaction.

AYSO is proud to offer a very special program for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. Our EPIC soccer program (previously known as VIP (Very Important Player)) provides a safe, fun environment with trained coaches and volunteers who facilitate an enriching experience that the players and their families will cherish forever.

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 the volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and the list goes on!

We meet once per week, for individuals who find it challenging to play amongst mainstream players. Our goal is to make sure that everyone can play the beautiful game. Join our mission today!

* National Membership Player Fee entitles the member to all benefits for that membership year, including: