Category:EPIC: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Latest revision as of 11:29, 30 April 2026

What is AYSO EPIC?

AYSO EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In our Community.

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 goal of EPIC is to provide a complete AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers.

EPIC was formerly known as VIP.

EPIC at a Glance

Inclusive Play

Provides soccer opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Player Support

Players may receive support from EPIC Buddies and trained volunteers.

Community First

Focus on belonging, inclusion, and the full AYSO experience.

What is an EPIC Buddy?

EPIC Buddies assist players during games and activities, helping them build skills, confidence, and friendships.

Buddies may help players stay engaged, participate safely, and enjoy the soccer experience alongside their teammates.

EPIC Goals and Objectives

EPIC is designed to help players enjoy soccer, build confidence, learn the game, and feel connected to their team and community.

EPIC programs should support players by helping them:

Have fun playing soccer through games, positive instruction, and flexible pacing
Learn the fundamentals of the game through repeated opportunities to play the ball
Build teamwork and fair play through practices, games, uniforms, and team activities
Increase self-esteem through realistic individual goals and encouragement
Become more active and physically fit through participation at their own level
Meet new people and develop positive relationships with teammates, buddies, families, and volunteers

Volunteer Training

Volunteers working directly with EPIC players should be trained before the season begins.

Training helps reduce risk, supports a positive player experience, and gives volunteers the tools needed to serve players well.

Volunteer training may include:

EPIC Volunteer Training before the season begins
Safe Haven training
Age-appropriate AYSO coach training for EPIC coaches
Referee support or guidance for EPIC games
EPIC Buddy Training for buddies assisting players on the field

EPIC coaches should complete EPIC Volunteer Training and appropriate AYSO coaching courses. At minimum, EPIC coaches should complete the 6U Coaching Course and use the EPIC Coach Manual.

Buddies should receive training appropriate to their role before assisting players on the field. Buddies over the age of 12 must complete AYSO Safe Haven.

EPIC and AYSO’s Six Philosophies

EPIC is built around AYSO’s Six Philosophies and adapts the soccer experience to support each player.

Everyone Plays® Every player participates without regard to disability.	Balanced Teams Teams are created to maximize participation, safety, and experience.	Open Registration EPIC is open to athletes with disabilities from ages 4–99.
Positive Coaching Players are encouraged and supported as they work toward personal goals.	Player Development Players build skills, confidence, movement, and understanding at their own level.	Good Sportsmanship Players, families, volunteers, and buddies celebrate effort and teamwork.

Program Structure

The vision of the AYSO EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation.

EPIC programs may vary locally based on player needs, volunteer support, field availability, and community structure.

Programs should be designed to provide a safe, supportive, and joyful soccer experience for every participant.

Resources and Tools

Creating a New Program	Tips for Running an EPIC Program	Roles & Responsibilities	Gameday Guidelines
EPIC Checklist for EPIC Administrator and Regional Commissioner	Sample EPIC Buddy Information Form	Sample Player Information Form

Subcategories

This category has only the following subcategory.

E

EPIC (1 C, 7 P)

Pages in category "EPIC"

The following 7 pages are in this category, out of 7 total.

A

User:Alexdiaz

C

Creating a New Program - EPIC

E

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{DISPLAYTITLE:EPIC: '''E'''veryone '''P'''lays '''I'''n our '''C'''ommunity!}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:AYSO EPIC}}
+__NOTOC__
-[[File:EPIC Kid picture.jpg|thumb|right]]
-=== What is AYSO EPIC (formerly VIP)? ===
-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.
+{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;"
-To learn more about EPIC:  https://ayso.org/epic/
+| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top; padding-right:24px;" |
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:10px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
-Until 2023, EPIC was known as VIP.
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+What is AYSO EPIC?
+</div>
+</div>
+AYSO EPIC stands for '''Everyone Plays In our Community'''.
-=== 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.
+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.
-=== 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:
+The goal of EPIC is to provide a complete AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers.
-'''Everyone Plays:''' In EPIC, Everyone Plays without regard for their disability.
+EPIC was formerly known as VIP.
-'''Balanced Teams''': Teams are created to maximize opportunities for player participation in age-appropriate groups for maximum player safety and experience.
+| style="width:30%; vertical-align:top;" |
-'''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.
+{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;"
-'''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.
+|-
+| style="text-align:center;" |
+[[File:Logo-epic-10-18-22-FIN.jpg|220px]]
+|}
+|}
-'''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.
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
-'''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.''
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+EPIC at a Glance
+</div>
+</div>
+{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:22px 0;"
-=== Useful PDFs ===
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#fff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #0054A6; padding:30px;" |
+<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">Inclusive Play</div>
+Provides soccer opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#fff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #C8102E; padding:30px;" |
-* [[Media:EPIC Checklist.pdf|Checklist]]
+<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">Player Support</div>
-* [[Media:EPIC Buddy Information Form.pdf|Buddy Information Form]]
+Players may receive support from EPIC Buddies and trained volunteers.
-* [[Media:EPIC Player Information Form.pdf|Player Information Form]]
-[[Category:Division Coordinator]]
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#fff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #f5a623; padding:30px;" |
+<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">Community First</div>
+Focus on belonging, inclusion, and the full AYSO experience.
+|}
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+What is an EPIC Buddy?
+</div>
+</div>
+EPIC Buddies assist players during games and activities, helping them build skills, confidence, and friendships.
+Buddies may help players stay engaged, participate safely, and enjoy the soccer experience alongside their teammates.
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+EPIC Goals and Objectives
+</div>
+</div>
+EPIC is designed to help players enjoy soccer, build confidence, learn the game, and feel connected to their team and community.
+EPIC programs should support players by helping them:
+* Have fun playing soccer through games, positive instruction, and flexible pacing
+* Learn the fundamentals of the game through repeated opportunities to play the ball
+* Build teamwork and fair play through practices, games, uniforms, and team activities
+* Increase self-esteem through realistic individual goals and encouragement
+* Become more active and physically fit through participation at their own level
+* Meet new people and develop positive relationships with teammates, buddies, families, and volunteers
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+Volunteer Training
+</div>
+</div>
+Volunteers working directly with EPIC players should be trained before the season begins.
+Training helps reduce risk, supports a positive player experience, and gives volunteers the tools needed to serve players well.
+Volunteer training may include:
+* EPIC Volunteer Training before the season begins
+* Safe Haven training
+* Age-appropriate AYSO coach training for EPIC coaches
+* Referee support or guidance for EPIC games
+* EPIC Buddy Training for buddies assisting players on the field
+EPIC coaches should complete EPIC Volunteer Training and appropriate AYSO coaching courses. At minimum, EPIC coaches should complete the 6U Coaching Course and use the EPIC Coach Manual.
+Buddies should receive training appropriate to their role before assisting players on the field. Buddies over the age of 12 must complete AYSO Safe Haven.
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+EPIC and AYSO’s Six Philosophies
+</div>
+</div>
+EPIC is built around AYSO’s Six Philosophies and adapts the soccer experience to support each player.
+{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:16px 16px;"
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #0054A6; padding:18px;" |
+'''Everyone Plays®'''<br>
+Every player participates without regard to disability.
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #C8102E; padding:18px;" |
+'''Balanced Teams'''<br>
+Teams are created to maximize participation, safety, and experience.
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #f5a623; padding:18px;" |
+'''Open Registration'''<br>
+EPIC is open to athletes with disabilities from ages 4–99.
+|-
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #0054A6; padding:18px;" |
+'''Positive Coaching'''<br>
+Players are encouraged and supported as they work toward personal goals.
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #C8102E; padding:18px;" |
+'''Player Development'''<br>
+Players build skills, confidence, movement, and understanding at their own level.
+| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-left:5px solid #f5a623; padding:18px;" |
+'''Good Sportsmanship'''<br>
+Players, families, volunteers, and buddies celebrate effort and teamwork.
+|}
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+Program Structure
+</div>
+</div>
+The vision of the AYSO EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation.
+EPIC programs may vary locally based on player needs, volunteer support, field availability, and community structure.
+Programs should be designed to provide a safe, supportive, and joyful soccer experience for every participant.
+<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
+<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;">
+Resources and Tools
+</div>
+</div>
+{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:20px 18px; margin:0 0 30px 0;"
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[Creating a New Program - EPIC|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Creating a New Program</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[EPIC: Running an EPIC Program|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Tips for Running an EPIC Program</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[EPIC: Roles & Responsibilities|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Roles & Responsibilities</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[EPIC: Gameday Guidelines|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Gameday Guidelines</span>]]
+</div>
+|-
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[Media:EPIC Checklist.pdf|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">EPIC Checklist for EPIC Administrator and Regional Commissioner</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[Media:EPIC Buddy Information Form.pdf|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Sample EPIC Buddy Information Form</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+<div style="height:95px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;">
+[[Media:EPIC Player Information Form.pdf|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Sample Player Information Form</span>]]
+</div>
+| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" |
+&nbsp;
+|}
+[[Category:Programs]]
+[[Category:EPIC]]