EPIC Program – Everyone Plays In Our Community

The EPIC Program (formerly VIP – Very Important Player) in AYSO Region 599 provides a supportive and inclusive soccer experience for players who benefit from a more individualized or adaptive environment.

EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In Our Community, and that belief is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is simple: to give every player the opportunity to participate in soccer in a way that is enjoyable, meaningful, and successful for them.

What EPIC Is All About

EPIC teams are non-competitive and focused entirely on participation, connection, and fun.

The goal of the program is to get players on the field:

• Laughing
• Playing
• Building confidence
• Accomplishing personal goals
• Feeling like part of a team

EPIC is intentionally flexible and tailored to each individual player.

• If a player wants to fully participate in the game, that’s great
• If a player wants to take breaks, that’s okay
• If a player prefers to observe or engage in their own way, that’s okay too

Every level of participation is valued.

Scores are not kept, and there is no emphasis on competition — the focus is entirely on the player experience.

Who Can Participate

In the spirit of AYSO’s philosophy of Open Registration, the EPIC program is open to players from San Luis Obispo and surrounding communities.

EPIC is a great fit for players who:

• Benefit from a more flexible or supportive environment
• May find traditional team play challenging
• Want to be part of a team experience in a way that works for them

All assistive devices are welcome on the field. If a player needs specific equipment or support to participate, we will work to make it happen.

EPIC Buddies

A key part of the EPIC program is the use of EPIC Buddies — volunteers who support players during activities and games.

Buddies:

• Help facilitate participation on the field
• Encourage and support players
• Assist as needed while promoting independence 

Buddies are patient, open-minded, and supportive, and play an important role in creating a positive experience for every player.

Schedule

The EPIC season runs concurrently with the Fall Core season.

• Sessions are typically held once per week
• Games are generally scheduled on Saturdays mornings at Damon Garcia
• Each session is approximately one hour

Depending on the season, EPIC teams may participate in games alongside mainstream teams, with a focus on inclusion and positive play.

Specific schedule details, including field assignments and times, will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Registration & Fees

To register, create an account through the Region 599 website and select the EPIC Program.

Program fees are set each season. Financial assistance is available — please contact the [email protected] for more information.

Volunteers

EPIC is a volunteer-supported program, and we are always looking for:

• Coaches
• Referees
• EPIC Buddies

No prior experience is required just a willingness to support and encourage players.

Buddies must register as AYSO volunteers and complete required training. Training is provided at no cost and typically takes only a few hours.

Youth volunteers may serve as Buddies starting at age 10, based on maturity, responsibility, and readiness for the role.

Join Us

If you see us on the field, we welcome you to stop by and watch. EPIC is a special part of our Region, and we are proud to provide a place where every player can participate in their own way.

For more information about registering a player or volunteering, please contact the EPIC Coordinator.

If you’re unsure whether EPIC is the right fit for your player, our EPIC Coordinator is happy to connect and talk through your child’s needs.