VIP Buddy Info
VIP Soccer began in 1991 for Very Important Players: Children with physical or mental challenges, or a
combination of both. AYSO's philosophy of "Everyone Plays" was thus extended to be inclusive of all
children who had the desire to play soccer. AYSO region 220 Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow started its program in
the fall of 2001 with 9 players.
VIP Buddies are AYSO players from non-VIP teams, who through their assistance and encouragement
help these VIP players both on and off the field.
VIP Buddy position Description.
The AYSO goals for every participating player are:
- have fun playing soccer
- understand the fundamentals of the game
- learn teamwork and fair play
- increase positive self-esteem
- become more physically fit
- meet and be comfortable with new people
We try to teach young people to play soccer, regardless of their impediments or disabilities. There are
some important things to remember as you help them to achieve this goal:
We all like to be treated with respect and without condescension, people with disabilities are no
different.
It is very easy to infantilize young cute kids, especially those with a disability that might tend to
make them appear more child-like or dependent. Doing this is a disservice to them. Dependency is a hard
habit to shake, especially for people for whom learning is difficult. Cute mannerisms in a child might
appear unpleasant or even threatening in an adult, with harsh consequences for the individual.
The best thing you can do for a person with disabilities is to help them achieve as much independence
as possible. The more independence they have, the happier and fuller their life will be.
We will work with you on gentle teaching and facilitation techniques, but remember each of these
players is different, and each requires an approach that works best for them. One size does not fit all.
The coaches are always available for questions, and the family is usually close by.
VIP players may have a range of difficulties. We have medical information for each of them and a parent
or guardian has to be present at all times. You do not need to worry about medical matters, but there are
some very basic rules that will help:
Keep hydrated, literally as much as possible with water. Avoid sugary juices, colas etc.
Avoid diet drinks especially those containing Phenylalanine. (Read the back of your diet soda,
Phenylketonuria used to be a devastating condition leading to severe retardation, until it was discovered
that it could be controlled with appropriate diet. Its effects have now been eliminated, at least in the
developed world.)
Avoid overheating or too bright sunlight, both have been linked to a higher seizure risk. Many VIP
players will be susceptible to seizures, even if taking seizure medication.
If one of the players seems to be losing focus or becoming disoriented, or you have any concerns,
immediately inform the parents and the coach.
The VIP players are here to enjoy themselves, revel in the opportunity to do things that we all take
for granted. Have fun!
Community Service:
Buddies can use their time spent with the VIP program towards community service credit:
The Fall and Spring season normally consist of 8-10 meetings each, with a 1.5 hour duration.
The Guidance Counselor at Sleepy Hollow Middle
School (grades 7 & 8, ages 11-13) explained that Middle School students are encouraged (not required) to
participate in Community Service. The VIP Director will write a letter describing the work and the amount
of time spent and any comments, and that letter will be placed in the students' permanent record. They are
eligible for Community Service awards at the end of the school year.
The Guidance Counselor/Chairman at the Sleepy
Hollow High School (grades 9 through 12, ages 13 - 18) explained that High School students need Community
Service credit (between 1/2 a credit for 60 hours and a full credit for 120 hours), which they can only
accumulate beginning the summer after 8th grade. The VIP Director will write a letter describing the work
and the amount of time spent, but the school also provides forms which students must complete and which
are to be signed by the VIP Director.
The first year and a half of the VIP Buddy program was very successfull, but the number of Buddies
depends on the number of VIP players. We therefore had to place the following restrictions on
admitting new Buddies:
1. Returning Buddies have first preference.
2. A waiting list will be created for extra spots, of current AYSO players (for insurance reasons and
AYSO and soccer knowledge). Contact
Peter van der Heijden
for more information.
3. Any current AYSO player who brings in a new VIP player, will automatically have a space on the
Buddy program.
John Maltby, VIP coach,
914-631-0105
Peter van der Heijden,
VIP Director, 914-289-0080