VIP Volunteer Information

The AYSO/Special Olympics VIP Soccer program provides a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.

These players are Very Important Players (VIP).

We recognize that all people need 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.

VIP PROGRAM GOALS

     > 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

VIP VOLUNTEER ROLES

VIP helps more than just the players. Coaches, Buddies, and other volunteers increase their appreciation and understanding of individuals with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new VIP friends. For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, VIP gives them joy and hope. They are able to relax and enjoy watching their children having fun like other kids, perhaps for the first time.

Volunteers are needed for the 2008 VIP Soccer season to serve as Coaches and Buddies. Please click on the links below to the position descriptions for detailed information about each of these roles:

> VIP Coach Position Description
> VIP Buddy Position Description

TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER (or for more information/questions)

Contact Ali Sprott-Roen, VIP Administrator & Special Olympics Sports Manager:

Ali Sprott-Roen
Regional Sports Manager
Special Olympics Southern California
Santa Barbara County

423 West Victoria St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

E-mail: aroen@sosc.org
Phone: (805) 884-1516
Fax: (805) 884-9937

VIP VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

All VIP Volunteers MUST attend the AYSO/Special Olympics VIP Orientation & Volunteer Training.

The Orientation and Training will be offered as follows:

Day/Date Time Location
Saturday, September 6th 10am-12pm Louise Lowry Davis Center
1232 De La Vina St.
Thursday, September 11th 6pm-8pm Louise Lowry Davis Center
1232 De La Vina St.

Please let Ali Sprott-Roen know if you plan to attend by e-mailing her at aroen@sosc.org or calling the Special Olympics office at (805) 884-1516.

**If you cannot make either of these dates, please contact Ali to set up an alternative individual orientation and training.

AYSO VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM

Prior to attending the AYSO/Special Olympics Orientation and Volunteer Training, you will need to complete the AYSO volunteer registration process by following the steps below:

     1. Access eAYSO at www.eayso.org
     2. Register as a new volunteer by clicking on "First Time"
                    OR
        If you are already a volunteer for AYSO you will simply need to login and follow the steps to
        re-register as a returning volunteer.
     3. Print out 2 copies of your registration form - bring one signed copy to the Orientation & Training
         and keep one copy for your records.