What is the EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Communities) Program?
The AYSO EPIC Program provides a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental abilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. 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 In our Communities" - giving everyone a chance to play.
The EPIC Program has been structured to integrate our players into the rest of AYSO by providing a soccer season and in some cases, using “Buddies” - able bodied helpers - to assist the players who need assistance both on and off the field. Our goals for every participating player are:
- Have fun with soccer
- Understand the fundamentals of the game
- Learn teamwork and sportsmanship
- Increase positive self-esteem
- Become more physically fit
- Meet and be comfortable with new people
The EPIC Program is run by qualified coaches with our soccer partner SoCal Youth Sports Solutions.
Who can participate?
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
- Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
- Mentally or emotionally challenged
- Autism
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
Schedule?
The season runs from Early September to mid November and is concurrent with the Fall Regular Season.Games are held on Saturday mornings for about 1 hour at Luther Middle School. Once the time is set, games will be at the same time each week.
Cost?
The cost for EPIC players in Region 254 will be $25 for the season. Players receive a uniform, pictures and an end-of-season trophy.
What will my child need?
We provide the uniform. All your child will need are shin guards and soccer cleats. And for this Division only, if your child is not willing to wear either the shin guards or the cleats, no problem. Our coaches will work around that.
Registration?
Players register online starting in March for the upcoming fall season. Please be sure to select EPIC when registering your player.