THE AYSO NATIONAL GAMES WELCOMES
VIP PLAYERS TO THE GAMES
THIS SUMMER!!!!

VIP players are those with physical and mental disabilities that make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams can include those that are blind or visually impaired, have impaired mobility, are mentally or emotionally challenged, autistic, have Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy.

The players who need assistance are escorted on the fields by buddies. Buddies help guide the players on the field during the soccer session. Buddies and volunteers in the program increase their understanding of individuals with special needs and their lives are all greatly enriched.

VIP allows our population with disabilities to have the benefit of sports participation in a supportive and fun environment.

DATE:
Saturday, July 10, 2010
TIME:
Registration: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Soccer games:
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
International Polo Club in Wellington, FL $12.75 per player (includes souvenir shirt, lunch and soccer medal)

** Pre-registration is encouraged.
The registration fee is waived if the player is currently registered with their local AYSO VIP Program, but the player must still pre-register for the National Games. If you do not have a local AYSO, please contact Rachel Forberger at rachforb@comast.net or
(561)795-0044 to pre-register by phone.

Registration Form (non current player) | Registration Form (current player)

AYSO National Games

Every two years, teams from all over the country come together for a week of soccer, cultural exchange and fun at the AYSO National Games. Next year's Games will be held July 4-11, and couldn't be in a better place - beautiful, sunny Florida. The Village of Wellington, in Palm Beach County, Fla., will be the site for a week of soccer, sand, sun and many other activities for all participants and their families.

The Games will be held at the world-class International Polo Club Palm Beach. Among the most exciting element for the teams will be playing on the lush, open grounds of the International Polo fields, particularly for fans of equestrian sports.

How can my team play in the Games?
In order to play on a team attending the AYSO National Games 2010, players need to be registered and play in their Region's primary program in the 2009-2010 membership year. Participating Regions were selected in May via a lottery system during the National Annual General Meeting. Section 14 is playing host for next year's Games. The Section, which encompasses most of the state (except the panhandle), South Carolina and parts of Georgia, is relatively new, having started in October 2001. But Section Director, Wendy Smith, believes they are up to the challenge of hosting this special AYSO event. "We are a small Section, but we felt that the National Games would bring exposure…to our Section better than anything else we could ever do without spending a lot of money," she said.

What's there to do during the Games?
The week is not just all about soccer. Want to take your team to Disney World? Not a problem. Organizers are setting aside time for teams to explore Florida. A wide variety of activities are accessible nearby. The 220 participating teams will have a chance to visit beaches, zoos and other locations. Players young and old can expect a good time, said Smith.

Section 14 is planning a variety of events and activities for Games participants, including the multitude of soccer games, an indoor Youth Event and a VIP showcase. Organizers haven't overlooked the fact that the Games will begin on Independence Day. If you're looking for a Fourth of July celebration, the Village of Wellington holds a party every year, complete with live music and a nighttime fireworks show.

How about Soccerfest?
Of course, you can't forget the ever-popular Soccerfest, a day-long soccer extravaganza. Players are shuffled at random into new, one-day teams, so it is truly an opportunity to make new friends. While National Games players are automatically included, Soccerfest is open to all kids U-10 to U-19 whether or not they are on a Games team. Soccerfest inevitably has players concerned at the prospect of playing with "strangers," but by the day's end there are no strangers and it is consistently mentioned by players as one of the most memorable days of the entire event.

AYSO began the National Games in 1988 with the purpose of bringing together teams from different Regions, Areas and Sections to experience the diversity AYSO has to offer. The Games are a chance for participants to make new friends and gain exposure to new parts of the country and other cultures and to enjoy a lot of soccer. The Games are not a national championship, but a celebration of all that is AYSO. Reese said that aside from soccer, there is one thing each attendee can expect: "A really good time!"