AYSO Region 813

EPIC stands for Everyone Plays In Our Community. The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide athletes with disabilities 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. The Indio AYSO EPIC program sets itself apart from neighboring LQ's AYSO EPIC in that Indio runs a 100% cost free program for its players and Buddies. The need on this side of the Valley has always existed. In the past players traveled from Mecca to LQ for a program that was not free, nor discounted. Our program started in Oct 2023 with 3 players & 2 Buddies and has grown to 20 players and 15 Buddies. Our program's Director/Coach started the program after a few heartbreaking years of having to watch her disabled daughter feel left out during her siblings' practices and games. Last season, families traveled from Mecca and DHS to bring their players because they had heard about the quality and cost of our program. The program offers an opportunity for athletes with disabilities to interact with typical same-age peers (Buddies) with the same interest for soccer; all within their own community. Buddies are volunteers themselves (ages 12-18). The experience is beneficial to players and Buddies because it gives them purpose, confidence, and recreation. There are players that have never enjoyed physical activity until they became part of our program; and Buddies who would have never considered befriending or approaching a disabled peer. The program has strived to create a culture shift within our soccer park and community: foster a quality athletic experience for disabled individuals where they can develop and explore their potential athleticism & foster an environment of service and altruism for typical athletes. Everyone plays in our community because we are EPIC members together!

Contact: Coach Tania Orozco, EPIC Director

Phone: (951) 741-2254

InstaGram: epic813indioayso

Email: indio813aysosoccer@gmail.com

AYSO 813 was established in 1991 with the shared philosophy of giving every child the opportunity to play in a well balanced team, open registration, positive coaching, good sportsmanship, and most importantly player development. To further player development, AYSO 813 is now part of the AYSO Player Development Pathway. Alliance is a tryout based program for players/teams who want to play in either internal or external competitive gaming circuits as members of both AYSO and US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer. AYSO Indio Alliance 2014 is in the beginning stages of development and with this grant we will be able to provide uniforms, cover tournament fees, lodging, and transportation. This grant would not only enable these children to participate in tournaments but also contribute to their personal growth and development. Through soccer, we are opening doors to brighter futures and empowering these young individuals to dream big and reach for the stars. To believe in themselves regardless of their economic background.