AYSO REGION 154
EPIC FALL SOCCER PROGRAM for Children & Adults with Special Needs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. What is the AYSO Region 154 EPIC Fall Soccer program?
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 154 (Cypress, Calif.) offers a Everyone Plays in the Community (EPIC) Soccer program for children and adults with 'special needs.' Activities begin in late August with team practices. The season starts in September and goes through mid November, weather permitting.
AYSO National began the EPIC Soccer program in 1991 as part of its commitment to its “Everyone Plays” philosophy. Region 154 EPIC began 19 years ago, serving players and families from Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Westminster and West Anaheim and surrounding areas.
Today, we’re one of the largest EPIC programs in AYSO nationally, with nearly 150 players! Come watch your EPIC player grow with Region 154 EPIC!
2. Who can play in EPIC Soccer?
Play is open to anyone with learning, behavioral or physical disabilities. We welcome players at ALL levels of participation and ambulatory skills.
3. What ages can play EPIC?
Children age 4 through adult can play EPIC. We offer four divisions – Mighty Mites (ages 4 thru 6); Juniors (7 thru 11); Tweens (12 thru 16) and Seniors (17 and up). Players can also play in any division that best suits their physical skills and abilities.
4. How and when do I sign up my EPIC Player?
Please contact Rick Tkach @ [email protected] or [email protected]
Late registration is available until the season starts in September. Please contact the EPIC Director, Rick Tkach at [email protected]. Or call him at
562-225-0331.
5. Do I need to register my EPIC player online?
Yes. First visit www.ayso154cypress.org to complete your application. If you're registering a new player for the first time, we'll need a copy of your player's birth certificate.
6. How much is it to register a EPIC Player?
Registration for EPIC Players is just $25. (Regular AYSO registration is $160.00). It includes a soccer uniform (shorts, jersey and socks), complimentary individual and trophy. We also have a limited number of EPIC scholarships available for families requiring financial assistance. Please contact the EPIC director for more information.
7. How do I know if my child/adult can play EPIC?
We realize many parents, especially those considering EPIC Soccer for the first time, may have questions and concerns. We will be hosting a EPIC Soccer ‘Promo’ Day in June. Look for details here and in local newspapers. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun EPIC Soccer experience for all players regardless of ability to play. We’re all about “Improving the Lives of Children and Adults with Special Needs through Soccer,”
8. When will I know what team my EPIC player is on?
When will they practice and play their games? Teams will be formed in June and coaches assigned to teams. Parents will be contacted by their coaches and/or team parents in late June or early July about practice times and dates. Most teams will begin practice in late August. Practices are Monday through Friday, usually 5 to 7 p.m. for one hour and just one evening typically (at the coach’s discretion). All EPIC games are played Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Weekly schedules and field locations will be announced in August. Visit our website at www.ayso154cypress.org and the EPIC Division home page for updates about your player’s team, practice and game schedule throughout the season. The site is your FIRST STOP for any game-day changes affected by weather or other activities.
9. What if my child requires assistance on the field to participate?
We find many players do require assistance to participate. To help them, we have EPIC buddies – student volunteers who help players navigate on the field during practice and games. Also, many of our coaches are parents of children and young adults with special needs. They understand the challenges you and your player face. They invite your input and advice on how to make your player's experience successful and fun.
10. Where else does EPIC Soccer get its support?
What can I do if my company wants to get involved? AYSO Region 154 and the City of Cypress have been supporting EPIC Soccer for 19 years. The program grew significantly in 2010 when the Board and EPIC parents agreed to expand the program and reduce the cost of registration to $25 National Insurance Fee. We were able to do this thanks to support from many local businesses.
11. Can other family members volunteer for EPIC?
Absolutely! We welcome all EPIC volunteers! We need coaches, assistant coaches, buddies and team parents. And you don't have to know a lot about soccer! Just be willing to help some special athletes enjoy their time and experience with EPIC. Soccer.
If you're interested contact EPIC director Rick Tkach at (562) 225-0331 or [email protected] or [email protected]