AYSO EPIC

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