City of Aliso Viejo
AYSO soccer program designed for people with special needs

The American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) Region 889 has launched an exciting new program that will give mentally and physically challenged people in Aliso Viejo the opportunity to play soccer.

According to AYSO, the AYSO Very Important Players (VIP) Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include people who are blind or visually impaired; amputees or people with impaired mobility; mentally or emotionally challenged individuals; and those with Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy.

Kids with special needs are estimated to make up roughly 10 percent of the school-aged population, and about 20 percent of the nation's population is identified as having some type of disability, according to AYSO. The VIP program will integrate players into the rest of AYSO by providing a soccer season, and in some cases, using "buddies" - able-bodied helpers - to assist players who need assistance both on and off the field. The program is designed to be fun, create an understanding of the game and teamwork, increase self-esteem and help folks become more physically fit and make new friends.

Region 889 is working with Laguna Niguel-based Region 41 to place interested Aliso Viejo families. For more information, contact Darryl Ross at 889comissioner@gmail.com or visit www.ayso889.org.







The City of Aliso Viejo, which incorporated July 1, 2001, encompasses approximately 7 square miles with roughly 46,123 residents.  The City's annual budget is roughly $30 million.  The City supports a thriving business community with companies such as Pacific Life Insurance Co.; United Parcel Service (UPS); Clarient; Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Q-Logic; Lennar Homes; Buy.Com; Fluor Daniel; Pepsi Bottling, Inc.; Shea Homes; the Renaissance ClubSport Hotel; and Bausch and Lomb. Aliso Viejo has 23 parks, vast open space and top-notch amenities including the Aliso Viejo Ranch and the City's new Conference Center and Aquatic Center. The City of Aliso Viejo welcomes you to "Experience It All."  The City is also celebrating 2010 as the Year of the Youth.  For more information, visit www.cityofalisoviejo.com.