AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In Our Community) Soccer Program

The AYSO EPIC Program strives to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or developmental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The EPIC program offers that acceptance and carries the philosophy of "Everyone Plays®" to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play. Successful participation in this program is defined by the player’s enjoyment and individual growth. EPIC soccer seasons are fall and spring. Ages 5 to 18.

AYSO Core Soccer Program

The AYSO Core program is our grassroots player development program spanning 4U through 19U age divisions. The Core program is designed to be age-appropriate and developmentally challenging. There are no tryouts or cuts. Everyone is welcome to join all the fun, excitement, and learning that happens on the soccer fields in the Core program. Core soccer seasons are fall and spring, with optional winter programming. Ages 3 to 18.

AYSO EXTRA Soccer Program

Players looking for a more challenging environment within an AYSO soccer league are invited to try out for 9U/10U and 11U/12U teams in the AYSO418 EXTRA program. The EXTRA program is a progressive soccer experience with a strong emphasis on technical and tactical development. EXTRA is a tryout-based travel soccer program for the 10U and 12U age divisions with 2-year age divisions that mirror the Core program divisions. Players are required to be concurrently enrolled in the Core program. They are members of two teams, with two practices and two games each week during the fall and spring seasons. Ages 8 to 12. Extra teams play against teams from other AYSO Regions.

AYSO Chicago Northwind Soccer Club

The final phase of our player development pathway is the Chicago Northwind Soccer Club, a tryout-based travel soccer program which provides players the opportunity to play in the Illinois Youth Soccer Association gaming circuit, while still benefiting from AYSO's Six Philosophies. Northwind players are exposed to the challenges and competition of travel club soccer with a high level of commitment required, professional trainers, year-round training sessions, and a detailed focus on technical and tactical proficiency. Enrollment in the Northwind programs includes the fall, winter, and spring seasons, with optional summer training. Ages 6 to 18.

  


The AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In Our Community) Program strives to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or developmental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries the philosophy of "Everyone Plays®" to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.

This program takes place on Saturdays at the Chicago lakefront fields, during the Fall and Spring seasons.

Have questions about this program? Contact the Region 418 EPIC Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Youth Volunteer Soccer "Buddies" are needed to assist our EPIC (Everyone Plays In Our Community) on Saturday afternoons.

The AYSO volunteer position of EPIC Buddy is a non-disabled person intended to guide the EPIC player on the field of play and, when, if no longer needed to assist physically, continues to be part of the player support system from the sideline.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Treat all EPIC players with respect.
Guide the EPIC player physically, if necessary, on the field.
Encourage the EPIC player verbally, may “guide” the ball but do not “play” the ball.
Work with the EPIC coach to determine the use of the buddy on the field for a particular individual or situation.
Understand involvement of the buddy could start with full-time on the field, progress to fewer than four quarters and then progress to cheerleading from the sidelines.
Decrease his/her role, except for consistent cheerleader, throughout the season as dictated by the player’s progress.
Work toward the goal of player independence.
HAVE FUN!  

If you would like to volunteer, follow the Instructions: Youth Volunteers to add the EPIC Buddy volunteer role to your account.

Have questions? Contact the EPIC Program Coordinator at [email protected].