FOR A GOOD CAUSE:

Elliott Tipton scored eight goals in Saturday’s soccer game.

That’s quite an achievement for anyone, but Elliott is only 7, and he did it from his wheelchair. His father, Brian, is proud, of course, but he’s also pleased that the soccer program started by Corona del Mar freshman Taryn Greenberg gives his son a chance at making new friends.

“When he’s home, he likes to watch TV a lot,” his father said. “This gives him a chance to go out and socialize with kids. He’s a social butterfly.”

His team, the Red Dragons, defeated the Blue Transformers before a cheering crowd of enthusiastic parents, siblings, family and friends.

The game was part of an AYSO VIP program for kids with disabilities. VIP stands for Very Important Player.

Taryn, 14, organized the program to help her earn a Girl Scout merit badge. She has been playing soccer since she was 6, and took on the task of organizing the league when she saw the success of the program in other AYSO regions.

Philip Greenberg, the commissioner who oversees the local program, said his daughter had to get permission from the regional board of directors to start the program, find coaches and volunteers willing to donate their time, and then contact all the special needs classes within the different elementary, middle and high schools in the area to recruit players.

“I’m so proud of her,” he said. “She picked up the ball and ran with it. This is really her gig, and she’s done well with it.”

The VIP program began the third week of September and has 14 players participating on the two teams.

The teams practice for half an hour, then play a game that lasts for about an hour, with as many breaks in between as the kids need.

“So many of [the kids] have siblings that play, and they’ve been sitting on the sidelines for years watching them play. Now they get a chance to be the star. I think the kids seem to be enjoying it and the siblings seem to very supportive. Works out really well,” Philip Greenberg said.

Taryn recruited friends and fellow Corona del Mar High School students to volunteer as “buddies” for the players, so the kids aren’t out on the field alone. For instance, Elliott’s buddy pushed him around in his wheelchair as he played the game.

The buddies earn community service hours and have fun too, Taryn said.

“It’s actually really fun,” Taryn said. “The kids are all really nice, and they’re really fun to hang out with. They love you no matter what.”

Shai Castro, 14, has been Ollie Dillon’s soccer buddy since the program began.

“I think it’s great,” Shai said. “It gets a lot of the kids that don’t get to be part of anything into something.”

The favorite part of Shai’s day is watching the kids score goals and seeing their smiles.

Simon Dillon said soccer is the first sport his son has played, and that Ollie, 7, “loves motion, and loves being outside.”

Deborah Pievac, whose 8-year-old daughter Brianna plays the game in a walker, also thinks the buddy system is great.

“The kids have somebody running with them. They all have different needs. Some of them are physical, some are behavioral, and it helps them to stay focused. It’s almost like a bookend — kind of keeping them in the right direction, and they always have plenty of buddies.”

Doreen Gosse is a certified AYSO referee, and comes out each week to volunteer her time.

She had never worked with special needs children before, and said the first two weeks she had to wear sunglasses so the kids couldn’t see her tears.

“It was just so fulfilling to know no matter what kind of child, they can still play soccer. Basically, that’s why I’m here every Saturday.

“To give these guys an opportunity to play, just like every other kid. Whether they’re special needs or not, it doesn’t matter. Every kid should get to play every sport, regardless of their needs.”

Elliott Tipton shared his feelings during an orange break.

“You know what? I like playing soccer, and it’s pretty awesome.”

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at [email protected].