The USYS vision is to provide world class soccer programs to enrich children's lives.

The USYS mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs, which promote a fun, family environment based on our philosophies:

EBOPSP

Everyone Plays
Our regions' goal is for kids to play soccer - so we mandate that every player on every team play at least half of every game.

Balanced Teams
Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible - because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

Open Registration
Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Positive Coaching
Kids win when they are built up, not when they are torn down! We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.

Good Sportsmanship
We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of USYS.

Player Development
We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge individually and as members of a team to the best of their abilities, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children - and adults - whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP 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

These youngsters are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP 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 VIP Program has been structured to integrate our special kids into the rest of AYSO by using "buddies" from non-VIP 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

VIP 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 VIP friends.
For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, VIP 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.
Teams can have as few as five players, may be co-ed, and as with all AYSO teams, VIP teams are balanced with players rated by size and physical ability. Older and younger players form their own divisions, too, when numbers allow.