The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program (Everyone Plays In Our Community) is to provide a quality soccer experience for athletes whose disabilities may make participation in a traditional team setting more challenging. At La Mesa AYSO, we are proud to offer an inclusive program where every player is supported, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Our EPIC teams are thoughtfully designed to adapt to each athlete’s individual needs. With flexible rules and a supportive environment, players of all abilities can experience the joy of soccer. Our athletes may include individuals who are blind, amputees, have cognitive impairments, are on the autism spectrum, or have diagnoses such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other conditions that impact mobility, strength, or comprehension.

Whenever possible, we incorporate a “buddy” system—pairing players with volunteers who provide encouragement and assistance both on and off the field. This helps foster meaningful connections and promotes inclusion within the broader AYSO community.

For many families, EPIC is more than a soccer program, it’s a place of belonging. For parents who may have once wondered if their child would have the opportunity to play a sport or build friendships through team activities, EPIC offers both hope and a joyful reality. Watching their children participate, grow, and have fun alongside others is truly special.

La Mesa’s EPIC program (formerly VIP) began in 2006, and we are proud that some of our original players are still part of our community today. While players may come and go over time, EPIC continues to provide consistency, connection, and a sense of home for many families.

During the season (September - November), EPIC teams play locally in La Mesa and neighboring communities such as Bonita, Tierrasanta, and Santee, with games typically held on Saturday mornings. In addition, players have the opportunity to participate in special EPIC tournaments each fall, including events in San Diego and San Clemente—memorable experiences filled with fun, teamwork, and celebration.

Registration is $50 and includes AYSO player insurance as well as a full uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks). When registering, please be sure to select the EPIC program (not CORE). You can sign up at lamesaayso.org by logging into your existing account or creating a new one if you are new to our region.

For more information, please visit our Social and/or contact our EPIC Administrator at [email protected].

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