First year for AYSO Very Important Players on Kaua’i by DENNIS FUJIMOTO TGI Staff Photographer Smiles warmer than the Saturday morning sunshine and high-fives all around signaled the end of a successful outing as six soccer players garbed in bright,
First year for AYSO Very Important Players on Kaua’i
by DENNIS FUJIMOTO
TGI Staff Photographer
Smiles warmer than the Saturday morning sunshine and high-fives all around signaled the end of a successful outing as six soccer players garbed in bright, lime-green outfits converged around the coach for the post-game break.
The powerful voice of coach Mark Sassone pierced the din of ongoing American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) games on neighboring fields at the Wailua Houselots Park as it served as the glue that bonded the crew of six players into a close huddle following their VIP match.
Yuki Sassone, the VIP program director, brought up any stragglers as the group erupted in their “One, two, three – Kapa`a!” break.
“This is the first year for AYSO Very Important Players on Kaua`i,” said Yuki, a former town manager for several years.
The VIP program attempts to provide a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental challenges make it difficult to successfully participate on regular AYSO teams.
VIP teams may include players who are blind, amputees, mentally challenged, autistic, or afflicted with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other conditions that impair mobility, strength or comprehension.
Generally, youngsters with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10 per cent of the school-age population, according to AYSO. While special schools and classrooms can isolate children with physical and mental challenges, VIP integrates its players with the rest of the AYSO program by utilizing “buddies” from other teams to help the special-needs players, both on and off the field.
The program is “totally casual,” Yuki noted. “The most important thing is to get the players in a uniform and out on a team.”
VIP is intended to give children need ta sense of belonging and acceptance, according to AYSO officials.
Sassone said some of the first VIPers had never donned a uniform of any sort until issued their AYSO jerseys. Now, “they won’t take it off,” he said.
Sassone, an adult soccer player as well as a coach for an AYSO boys under-14 team, said many of the players have brothers and sisters who have been playing but without a uniform, until now.
Theh VIP program helps more than just the players. The buddies and program volunteers increase their understanding and appreciation of individuals with special needs. Many say their lives are enriched through their involvement.
During the game that was played in the midst of other AYSO games at Wailua Houselots Park, Sassone closely followed the action while calling instructions and encouragement to players on both sides. The constant banter and chatter kept the players on top of the ball, and at times caused the parents watching on the sidelines to erupt in laughter at the antics of the coach.
Under AYSO guidelines, VIP teams can have as few as five players and may be co-ed. Kauai’s charter VIP team is made up of seven players (Lucas Moore, Cody Mersberg, Brayden Santiago, Justin Caberto, Cody Streeter, Billie Jean Mahina Bagano and Kekoa Hubbard) who practice once a week in Kapahi and play at least one game a week, usually on Saturday mornings.
Yuki said the team’s players are between 7 and 10 years old. There are openings for at least three more players on the team, she noted. With the season running through the end of October, Yuki said it’s not too late to sign up.
Yuki envisions more players on VIP teams as people find out about the program.
The teams are balanced like other AYSO teams, with players rated by size and physical ability.
“It’s fun,” Mark said. “The games are fun, the practices are fun. It’s really enjoyable.”
Staff photographer Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-3681 and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net
