Celebrant Pam Vetter


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Very Important Players (The VIP League)
Contributed by: Pam Vetter

Special needs kids play in first year of VIP League at AYSO Region 71.

9/16/06 Valley News Article

For six-year-old Jack Blauvelt of Woodland Hills, his dreams are simple. He has cerebral palsy and uses a walker, but he simply wants to do what everyone else is doing. If they play soccer, he wants to play soccer. His wish was answered when the American Youth Soccer Organization's Region 71 started their first VIP league this season.

Jack, a second grader at Calabash Elementary School, played in his first soccer game today at Bischoff field in West Hills. He used his walker and loved every minute of it. "I love kicking and doing the motions," he said with a huge grin on his face.

After Jack scored his first goal he responded with powerful words. "It feels refreshing!"

Becky Blauvelt, Jack's mother, believes the VIP League is a wonderful opportunity.

"Jack always wants to do something like his older brother, Joe. He wants to run. He wants to play baseball. He wants to play soccer," Becky said. "Jack participated in the Mission Hills Little League Challenger Division for special needs children. It was wonderful. But, there was nothing in our neighborhood for special needs kids until now. This is so close to our house."

She believes there should be more outreach to parents and the community about these types of programs. "These special leagues offer a nurturing environment. Everyone is supportive, parents are cheering, and it doesn't matter if it takes 15 times to hit a ball. We're just happy they're playing," Becky explained.

Parents of six-year-old Grace Ruane, a first grader at Nevada Elementary School, are also pleased with the program.

"This is great! It's exciting and a great opportunity for these kids. Today is the first time Grace has played soccer on an organized level. She's happy playing soccer," Kieran Ruane said of his daughter.

His wife, Colleen Ruane, agreed. "Being able to do what other kids do is wonderful. There are no limits here. Our goal is to build up her confidence. We're very happy with this," she said. "We've looked for other programs for her, but there is no dance, no ballet for special needs kids. We tried a regular hip-hop class, but it was too hard. This is perfect because she is accepted by the team players and the community. Look at her. Grace loves it. She's always been a social butterfly."

After Grace scored two goals during her first game, she was smiling from ear to ear. "It's fun to score," she said proudly.

Jill Joncich, the VIP Coordinator for AYSO Region 71, completed training in San Diego to get the local VIP program off the ground. "With AYSO, the motto is 'Everyone Plays.' I knew about the national organization's VIP program and I thought, why not here? There is no age limit. It's open to children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities prevent them from being successful on mainstream teams. The VIP program includes those who are blind, amputees, mentally or emotionally challenged, autistic, downs syndrome, and cerebral palsy. The kids here today are Very Important Players (VIP) to all of us and everyone plays," she said.

AYSO Region 71 Commissioner Reza Shahmirzadi plans to expand the program. "In previous years, we had to send special needs kids to Balboa to play. This is our first year and word will spread. We expect more VIP players next year because everyone should be given the chance to play," he said.

There is no age limit on the VIP league and players are grouped by size. Most importantly, the VIP players are not alone on the field. Other AYSO players and volunteers are trained and certified to be buddies. The buddies help them and play side-by-side with them on the field.

When you ask Jack about his buddy, he smiles again. "Porter is my soccer buddy. I like him very much. He helps me," he said.

Jack's buddy is 14-year-old Porter Breitenfeld, who went through training so he and other buddies would increase their understanding of individuals with special needs. The buddies help them find success on the soccer field.

For a parent like Becky, it is a dream come true. "Jack was so excited about wearing his new blue soccer uniform. When he went to opening day, other kids from his school accepted him as just another player. It was one of the greatest moments. The program gives kids a chance to succeed and be accepted. There's a barrier coming down between kids when they see he can do things that they can do." Becky added, "And, Jack wants to do it all!"

For more information on the VIP League contact www.region71.org or www.soccer.org.

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