Name, Contact Info. - Olga Saegert & Jen Schwartz at vip@concordayso.org
What does your organization do for children of special needs?
Concord AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults aged 4 and up; the program is open to anyone whose physical or developmental challenges make it difficult to successfully participate on a mainstream team. Some of the benefits this program provides to the children are:
Have fun playing soccer
Understand the fundamentals of the game
Learn teamwork and fair play
Increase self-esteem
Become more physically fit
Meet and be comfortable with new people
How can a person access your services (i.e. fees, application process, eligibility, ages, etc.)?
The best way to keep with the news on this program is to check AYSO- Region 305 home page (http://concordayso.org/) where on Main Menu under the VIP division, the latest information about this program should be posted. Below is the information on player qualifications and cost for this program:
VIP teams are composed only of players with special needs.
No experience necessary. Players must be 4 years old by July 31. We have VIP teams for all ages, with no upper age limit.
No geographic residency requirements. Practices and games are held at Baldwin Park in Concord, but our players come from as far away as Orinda, Bay Point, Benicia, and San Ramon.
No player is turned away. Half and full scholarships are available! For details, please contact regional program directors through the e-mail provided above.
Registration includes a complete uniform and a ball. The only equipment you need to provide is shin guards, shoes (no cleats required), and a smile!
Registration Cost per player in the last 3 years was $75 and the application form can be either filled out on-line or in person during one of the scheduled registration dates (should be posted on Concord AYSO website).
Practices and games are usually held on Saturday mornings: 9 -10 am for boy teams and 10-11am for girl teams. Coaches might set up additional practices on Wednesday evenings.
How does your program support social interaction among all children, typically developing and with special needs?
- Concord AYSO mainstream players play against VIP teams during the games' season.
- We encourage VIP players siblings to be part of the program either by being a buddy to the players, an assistant coach, a referee, or participate in some other capacity.
- During the Soccerfest Tournament, annual VIP regional tournament that is held in Concord, we have many young mainstream volunteers helping out on the field.
Can you tell us what events/activities are happening this year? Dates?
Important VIP 2012 Dates:
Townhall Meeting - this meeting is held at the beginning of each fall season. It is intended for parents to get together and learn about Concord AYSO program. We haven't scheduled the date for this meeting yet, but it is usually held in the first week of August.
Start of the Season's Games - usually the game season starts after the Labor Day weekend in September. This year it falls on September 8th, but this information hasn't been posted on-line yet. During this time, VIP teams play arranged games against mainstream soccer teams from Concord AYSO, Pleasant Hill & Mount Diablo soccer organizations.
Picture Day - Every soccer player has an option of taking individual and/or team professional pictures during the designated day. This day will be scheduled in August. VIP players in the past were offered for their picture packages $10 - $12 discount that is not available to the mainstream teams.
Dance and Dinner (the day before Soccerfest tournament) Saturday, October 27th - This event takes place on Saturday evening before the Soccerfest Tournament. It is usually most appropriate for older kids as it is held in the evening, past the bed time for younger kids. However, we had some younger children (9 year old) enjoying this event.
Soccerfest Tournament Sunday, October 28th - End of the season Tournament where teams from other regions (Reno, Davis, & Prunedale) get together in Concord to play against each other. This event goes from 9am - 2pm and besides games it offers FREE BBQ lunch for the participants and attendees, and fun activities for the kids, such as face painting, balloon twisting art, and display of fire truck.
Any suggestions for other community supports for parents to check out? I am not probably the best person to give any suggestions for other community supports as the ones I have, you (Autumn) already know.
What have you found most rewarding working with Concord AYSO?
This organization is truly interested in improving and growing its VIP program. The Board members are very supportive of the program in terms of scheduling VIP games against mainstream teams, listening to VIP program concerns and promptly taking actions, including VIP program directors in every organizational aspect of the overall AYSO program, and being the major advocates and support group behind Soccerfest Tournament.
What is your favorite activity?
Being on the field during practices or games and watching kids exercising and having fun.
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