EPIC (Formerly VIP)
Everyone Plays In our Community
The AYSO Region 65 EPIC (formerly VIP) Soccer Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. EPIC teams may include those who are:
· blind or visually impaired
· amputees or conditions that impair mobility
· mentally or emotionally challenged
· autistic
· Downs Syndrome
· Cerebral Palsy
We recognize that all players need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The EPIC program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.
Program Goals
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special schools and classrooms can isolate these children so the EPIC Program has been structured to integrate our special kids into the rest of AYSO by using "buddies" from non-EPIC teams to help these players both on - and off - the field.
Our goals for every participating player are:
· have fun playing soccer
· understand the fundamentals of the game
· learn teamwork and fair play
· increase positive self-esteem
· become more physically fit
· meet and be comfortable with new people
Everyone Plays
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.
Ensuring the success of players and volunteers in EPIC is a priority, so our EPIC program operates within the existing structure of our AYSO Region 65 to ensure that volunteers and players have the full support of this Region and resources. Our EPIC teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players form their own divisions. The program is designed to be flexible and creative, with teams that play a regular AYSO team.
Everyone Plays
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 who think they will never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, EPIC gives them joy and hope. They can relax and enjoy watching their children having fun like other kids, perhaps for the first time.
Ensuring the success of EPIC players and volunteers is a priority, so our EPIC program operates within the existing structure of our AYSO Region 65 to ensure that volunteers and players have the full support of this Region and its resources. Our EPIC teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players form their divisions. The program is designed to be flexible and creative, with teams that play a regular AYSO team.
EPIC Directors
After 18 years, Richard and Sharon Boehl have decided to step down from the EPIC program. It was a hard decision for them, but they agreed it was time for them to enjoy quality time with their grandchildren. I promise you they left you in good hands.
My Name is Cynthia (Cindy) Rodriguez, and I am one of the EPIC Directors. I have been part of EPIC for the last two years as a coach for the younger team. I have over twenty years of
I have experience working with children with disabilities. For the last couple of years, I have worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and Supported schools in Riverside, CA.
My assistant co-director is EPIC Director Yvette Padilla. Yvette coaches U10 and U14 in our AYSO region. Yvette also helps coordinate the player development program. Yvette has been an instructional aide with children in moderate/severe settings for over twenty years.
Coaches:
We have great coaches who have had support for many years. Steve Bodnar, Charlie Kinsey, and Rich Pietrasz all have at least 15 or more years with AYSO and coach our core programs as well as referees.
Referee
Mike Roberts is our Referee; he has been in the AYSO program for nineteen years. Out of the nineteen years, Mike has been part of EPIC for 11 years. Mike works hard to ensure that the children understand the game and the rules of the field. Mike also helps train members of our VIP team who want to become referees.
Contact Info
Cynthia Rodriguez