VIP soccer brings everyone together

On a recent Saturday morning, Griffin Horwitz, 9, of Calabasas moved up the soccer field as fast as his braced legs would go, a smile on his face despite the difficulty. A connective tissue disorder makes it hard for Griffin to walk or stand, but he doesn't let that stop him from playing soccer.

ROCKING ROCKETS-The Rockets are one of many VIP teams in the AYSO divisions. Top from left: Marc Flamer, coach Gayle Mamroth, Max Mamroth. Front row from left: Jake and Zach Orens, Brandon Clark, Griffen Horwitz, Ben Horowitz, D.J. Mamroth, Anni Hull, Jung Hull, Molly Siegel, coach Mike Mamroth and Matthew Compton. Joining him on the field at A.E. Wright Middle School were teammates with a variety of physical or mental disabilities. They have autism, cerebral palsy, heart problems and other challenges, but on the field they're just children, sharing a love for the game and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with it.

"Being with these kids is such an amazing experience," said their coach, Gayle Mamroth, of Oak Park, whose autistic son, D.J., is on the team. "They cheer each other on; they high-five each other. It's such a warm, feel-good thing."

These athletes are part of the co-ed VIP program, sponsored by the American Youth Soccer Organization, giving children with mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play soccer. With the help of other children who volunteer as "buddies," the team plays against VIP groups from other regions as well as mainstream teams.

"If it weren't for a program like this, there would be no opportunity for Griffin to play in an organized team sport," said his mother, Lois Horwitz. "Griffin loves it."

Griffin's team, the Rockets, includes 16 kids between the ages of 5 and 14. They practice together on Wednesdays, but for Saturday games they split up by age. The younger kids play the first hour, followed by the older athletes. Each group plays 10 games in a season.

Supporting the VIP team is a family effort. Mamroth, and her husband, Mike, run the team, coaching and arranging games. The couple's older son, Max, 12, is a "buddy," helping the athletes on the field. Max, a seventhgrader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, has his own health issues but he doesn't miss a game because he enjoys helping other kids. Gayle Mamroth's parents, Lew and Hermine Horwitz of Woodland Hills, are enthusiastic cheerleaders.

"Gayle and Mike are wonderful people who really deserve a lot of credit," Hermine Horwitz said.

Craig Montgomery of Westlake is the team's assistant coach. His 9-year-old son Kyle, who is autistic, is on the team.

In addition, the volunteer VIP "buddies" coach and direct the athletes on the field as well as cheer for them. For the past four years the Orens brothers, Zach, 12, and Jake, 13, have served as buddies, often walking handinhand with athletes during games.

"When they score a goal they feel really good so I feel really good," said Zach, a seventh-grader at Medea Creek.

Their mom, Gail, has recruited many volunteer buddies over the years, including Marc Flamer, 12, of Oak Park. He became a buddy this year as part of a community service project for his upcoming bar mitzvah. Buddies and other volunteers are recognized at an endoftheseason party, that according to Gayle Mamroth is an occasion filled with stories, photos and awards.

"Gail Orens has been an incredible help to us," Mamroth said. "We couldn't do it without her and all of the other wonderful volunteers."

Mamroth also recognized the mainstream teams that voluntarily spend an extra hour after their own games, to play the VIP teams. On this particular Saturday, her team played a mainstream team called Vortex, made up of boys 12 and under.

"All of the parents of the other team are here and cheering," Lew Horwitz said. "There are a lot of good human beings in this world."

The VIP program is a national effort by AYSO groups. According to Tim Weaver, former commissioner of AYSO Region 4, the local program was started in 1999 by Westlake resident Steve Gewirtz, a former board member.

"It's important to the region to reach out and include everybody," Weaver said. "AYSO is set up so that everyone can play."

Weaver and his wife, Mary Jane, helped run the team with coach Chris Buron during the 2002 season. The couple did not have a child on the team. Neither did Buron.

"We did it just because we cared," Weaver said. "Once you go out and meet these kids you're hooked. It gets very emotional."

The Mamroths took over the following year, with son D.J.'s encouragement.

"He said 'if you don't coach, I'm not playing,'" Gayle Mamroth said. "D.J. absolutely loves soccer more than any other sport and we love the kids so much."

The team occasionally travels to Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley for games, but on this day they were on their home field at A.E. Wright in Calabasas. After the game, D.J. discussed playing his favorite position--goalie. "It's not tiring; you have to use

your hands, which is easier; and no one gets to kick the ball away from you," he said.

His father commended D.J. and the team for playing well.

"We had great defense, and lots of improvement," Mike Mamroth said. "I think we have another win."

For information on joining the team or becoming a volunteer buddy, send an e-mail to vip@aysoregion4.org.