The American Youth Soccer Organizations Region 940 and 941 kick off their VIP program tomorrow with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Wailua Houselots Park. The AYSO VIP program is a special one in that it provides physically or
The American Youth Soccer Organizations Region 940 and 941 kick off their VIP program tomorrow with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Wailua Houselots Park.
The AYSO VIP program is a special one in that it provides physically or mentally challenged children the opportunity to play soccer.
These include children who are blind, visually impaired, have impaired mobility, are autistic, have Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. However, they are not yet equipped to service children in wheelchairs.
“Our focus right now would be to get some parents to realize that the opportunity is there for the kids,” said AYSO Regional Commissioner Bob French. “If the parents bring their kids out on Saturday, we will register them, give them a uniform and put them out on the field. It’s that simple. They don’t need to practice.”
Children aged 5 to 19 years old are welcome to participate. There is a $25 per player registration fee which includes a uniform and insurance. Registration will be accepted throughout the season.
Practices will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays at the Puhi Town Park and at the Kapahi Park. Games will be at 9 a.m. Saturdays through the end of October and will alternate between the Wailua Houselots Park and the North Vidinha Fields.
“We’re just out there to help because there are kids who don’t get a chance to play,” French said.
Region 941 has been operating the VIP program for several years now; this is Region 940’s first.
French said the kids in the program really enjoy playing.
“Even though it’s youth soccer, sometimes when the parents get involved, it can get really competitive,” he said. “But this is quite a bit of an experience. This is the purest in a sense because the kids don’t want to do anything but go out there and have fun. The pure joy these kids have is real sincere.”
In this program, every player gets field time.
For more information for the Lihu‘e to Kekaha teams, contact Ruth and Matt Victor at 245-8123. For information on the teams for the Eastside, contact Yuki and Mark Sassone at 651-2147.
• Lanaly Cabalo, sports editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
