EPIC PROGRAM 
(Everyone Plays In our Community)
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) EPIC (formerly VIP) program provides a quality soccer experience for individuals whose differences or challenges prevent them from successful participation on mainstream teams.
The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide athletes with disabilities with the additional support they need to fully participate in a quality soccer experience. The ultimate goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide a holistic AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers, from team uniforms, to playing on a team, to cheering from the sidelines for all participants.
Our Sterling Heights EPIC program welcomes every child and adult regardless of where they live or the complexity or nature of their challenges, physical, sensory, emotional, intellectual, behavioral, or any combination. If you think your child, age four or above, might like to be outside playing ball, would benefit from spending time with peers, would like to build a friendship with a "buddy," then we encourage you to join us!
Everyone Plays!
Our focus is on participation and fun! EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In our Community. Our EPIC coaches are flexible and positive, finding a way for all our EPIC athletes to participate as fully as they are able. If you thought your son or daughter could not play soccer, think again! With EPIC soccer, dreams become realities.
Everyone Benefits!
Through participation in EPIC soccer, everyone gets to experience the thrill of belonging to a team, wearing uniforms, and making new friends. Our EPIC athletes learn new skills and develop physical fitness while enjoying the game of soccer.
Age Requirement
The EPIC Program is open to all athletes with disabilities from ages 4-99.
EPIC Programs
We have 2 programs available:
Junior- For players of all ages – especially the little ones! In this program, children and adults are introduced and play soccer in an “pressure free” environment, and you, the parents, get to participate with them while given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow on top of. A Coach will lead each session introducing a game/activity that will apply to a skill or part of the game. They will explain and demonstrate to help parents and players understand the activity.
Senior – For players 10 and up that are comfortable playing a more progressive soccer game. By keeping everything positive, giving each player plenty of opportunities to play the ball. Build skills on players current skills. Encourage maximum participation in physical movement for each player at his or her level.
Game times and Location
All games and practices are played at Lions Club of Sterling Heights for both Fall & Spring seasons.
Junior Practices- Fall season, practice/games begin in September to October on Tuesday & Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Spring season, practice/games will be on Tuesday & Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm from April to May.
Senior Games - Fall season games begin in September to October on Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Spring season games will be on Monday & Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm from April to May.
Volunteering
AYSO is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Volunteers are needed as EPIC coaches, referees, and "buddies". For all seasons, the time commitment is only a few hours a week. Our Fall season starts in September until October. Similarly, for Spring the time commitment is only a few hours a week. Our Spring season is mid-April to May. All games and practices are played at Lions Club of Sterling Heights for both Fall & Spring seasons.
No soccer experience is needed; all training is provided. Please consider participating in this very rewarding program.
EPIC Buddy
EPIC Buddy is paired with a player to assist them on the field, as needed, during practice/games. By helping them learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem. If you are 12 (or older) and would like to be a "buddy," please contact the EPIC Administrator. Being a buddy can count towards community service hours, for school or scouts.
To register your player or become a volunteer for our EPIC Program, CLICK HERE. If you already have an account, then please Login.
For more information, please contact our EPIC Administrator Rene’ Allard at [email protected].