ADVANCED COMPETITION TEAM (ACT)
ACT stands for Advanced Competition Teams. ACT is the next level up from regular season soccer and is in addition to the regular season. ACT teams are competitive teams selected through open tryouts, and play in tournaments before and after the regular season. ACT players also remain on their regular season teams for both the Fall and Spring seasons. This program provides an outlet for players who want the opportunity to participate at a more competitive level of soccer.
Tryouts are usually held in October, and are open to all players who are registered within the Region 1447 program and have played at least 60% of the games at the time of tryout. The tryouts schedule, and other information on tryouts, will be posted on this and the front page, and tryouts will also be publicized for at least two regular season games at the game fields.
ACT teams usually play tournaments in November, February, May and sometimes June. ACT teams are allowed to practice on Sunday afternoons during regular season, and twice a week before and after the regular season.
Some fundraising is necessary to meet tournament, uniform and team expenses. Each coach determines the tournaments that the team will play, and the fundraising requirements for the team. Other fundraising may be required, depending on the number and location of tournaments the coach plans to play, and the amount of equipment and/or uniform accessories the coach plans. Prior to trying out, parents should check with the coach to determine the number and location of tournaments planned and the fundraising that will be required. Trying out for and accepting a position on an ACT team is a commitment to the team.
Coaching an ACT Team
Coaching in the ACT program is by application only. Prospective ACT coaches must be AYSO
certified and approved by the Board. A call for interested coaches will be sent in mid-September.
Questions?
If you have questions or would like more information you can contact the United Coordinator.
VIP Program
The AYSO 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:
- Blind or visually impaired
- Amputees or with conditions that impair mobility
- Mentally or emotionally challenged
- Autistic
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
These players are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all people need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays® to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.
PROGRAM GOALS
Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-aged population and approximiately 20% of the United States population has special needs. Special schools and programs can isolate these persons, so the VIP Program has been structured to integrate our 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. Our 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
EVERYONE PLAYS
VIP helps more than just the players. 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.
Teams can have as few as three players and may be co-ed. VIP teams can be put together with the players who register based on mobility or ability. Older and younger players can also be separated onto different teams when numbers allow.
4U-Playtime Adventure
Playtime Adventure is a unique program designed to develop children 3-6 years of age. Focusing on improving a child's fundamental motor skills in a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utlizing age appropriate activities and storybook adventures.
Click here for more information.