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VIP League scores smiles for AYSO Region 71

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Contributed by: Pam Vetter on 9/14/2008

"I like everything about soccer!" With those words, returning VIP player Fiona Kirkham kicked off the first VIP game this season for AYSO Woodland Hills Region 71 at Bischoff Field.

The Very Important Player (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.

The league in the West Valley was inspired by VIP programs created by the national American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

AYSO Region 71 VIP player Fiona Kirkham is 9 years old. She has Asperger Syndrome and hypoplastic left hand, which is why she has no fingers on that hand.

As Fiona returns for her third season of VIP soccer, her mother, Tori Kirkham, said the program has made a difference in her daughter's life.

"It's very exciting because Fiona has been looking forward to this all summer, asking me when is soccer going to start, when am I going to see my friends. It's nice to see how the program is expanding as we're getting so many new kids. I think Fiona's role is changing a little bit because she wants to mentor the younger kids. It's offering such a range of opportunity. Once they master the skills, they, for the very first time, can start to teach some of the younger kids. They don't often get to be in that role with other kids," Kirkham said.

"So for her, it's a huge growth opportunity over the last three years. When she started, she knew nothing about soccer and she was afraid to interact with other kids. Now that we're bringing in the younger kids and she's learned the skills, she's gained confidence from being with her buddies. Now she's taken Megan under her wing and she's going to start to fill roles with the other kids," Kirkham said.

"Coach Jill has structured the program so they can learn more than just soccer and teamwork, but also some really good life skills. I hadn't anticipated that growth as part of the program, but it's really nice to see," she added.

Ben Dukhovny, who has Down syndrome, is 5 years old and returns for his AYSO second season of soccer. Ben's father, Rick Dukhovny, thinks the VIP program is great for the kids.

"It makes the kids feel like they're part of the community more, that they can do whatever anyone else can do. He gets excited. In the beginning he was indifferent about it. As the season progressed, he was looking forward to it and he loves the snack. He's always ready for snack time," Dukhovny said with a laugh.

"The program is also good for his siblings. Cody is going to be 4 years old and he's already showing his support. And his youngest brother, Miles, loves coming out here," he added.

Heather West, whose 7-year-old daughter, Megan, has Williams Syndrome, says the VIP kids just want to play.

"Megan is a returning player and the VIP program is great. We've looked forward to it. Megan's been kicking the ball all summer and she's excited about being here. It's a good idea because it gets kids out and allows them to be a part of teamwork with other kids. They have fun and do the things that other kids do, despite their disabilities. It gives them a chance to know what it's like to do those types of things that other kids get to do. Megan sees other kids playing sports and she wants to be like those kids," West said.

"I've told friends about the program. I think AYSO should expand the program into other areas. The East Valley doesn't have this program, so I think it's great that Coach Jill and AYSO does this in the West Valley," she added.

Seven-year-old Sam Berger, who has cerebral palsy, is playing soccer for the first time. His father, Robert Berger, heard about the program from another parent whose daughter played last year.

"I took him out to a game to see what was going on and now he's playing. He's been kicking off and he looks like he's having a great time," Berger said. "It's wonderful for the kids. It builds self-esteem, their sense of belonging, and when they see the other kids play, they known that they've done the same things. So, it makes them feel like they're part of the community. They need more of these programs, but this is a great start."

AYSO Coach Lewis Cohen, whose son, Josh, is a buddy to the VIP players on the field, believes it's a fantastic program.

"My son, Josh, has been out here every year that we've had this program because he realizes how important it is to give back to the community and help kids who finally get to play a sport. Some of these kids would never get to play a sport so it's one of the best things we do in AYSO," Cohen said.

"This shows how much AYSO cares about kids who want to play soccer. One of the principles of AYSO is so that everyone can participate. The VIP kids love it and the buddies love it, too," he added.

Region 71 VIP Coordinator Jill Joncich took an important role in getting the program off the ground in Woodland Hills. Now, years later, Joncich remains proud of the kids and the VIP league.

"The first game was great," Joncich said, smiling. "It was everything we were hoping for. The kids are scoring goals; they're so excited to be here, and the new parents are loving it. So, it's a repeat of last year. The boys did a great job playing against them. Just to know the kids are a part of it, it's a nice thing for the family. In AYSO, everyone plays, so this is our way to make soccer available for everyone."

For more information about the national AYSO, visit www.soccer.org.

To visit AYSO Woodland Hills Region 71, link to www.region71.org.

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