AYSO Blog
About AYSO
Our mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs throughout the country which promote a fun, family environment built on the foundation of our Six Philosophies.
THE AYSO SIX PHILOSPHIES
AYSO’s Six Philosophies are principles that separate AYSO from other sports organizations. These tenets were created to provide a positive, fair and fun soccer experience for all our players.
1
Everyone Plays®
AYSO’s goal is for kids and adults to play soccer, so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game.
2
Balanced Teams
Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because, providing a stronger learning experience for teams as they play teams comprised of similar ability. It also allows for each player to experience playing with a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.
3
Open Registration
If you want to play soccer, AYSO welcomes you and gives all youth and adults the opportunity to register and play.
4
Positive Coaching
A coach can be one of the most influential people in a player’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every player in AYSO. Additionally, encouraging player’s effort leads to greater enjoyment, improved skills and stronger motivation in players.
5
Good Sportsmanship
We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.
6
Player Development
All players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a nonprofit and the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States. Beginning with only nine teams by a handful of soccer enthusiasts, AYSO was established in 1964 out of a garage in Torrance, California, in an effort to ensure that American kids have the opportunity to be introduced to the beautiful game of soccer.
More than 50 years later, AYSO now has thriving programs for kids and adults in nearly 900 communities all over the country – and internationally in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago – over eight million AYSO alumni, and a name that’s recognized nationwide.
VOLUNTEER POWER
AYSO runs on volunteer power
This means registered volunteers run the local AYSO programs all over the country. Additionally, our National Board of Directors, National President, as well as every coach, referee, and Regional Commissioner – the list goes on – is a volunteer.
Due to the thousands of volunteers throughout the U.S. donating their time every season, AYSO is as successful and far-reaching as it is today. To learn more about the different AYSO volunteer options, click here.
HOW WE ARE STRUCTURED
AYSO is structured by Regions, Areas and Sections.
AYSO National Office
The AYSO National Office, located in Torrance, California, provides support to Regions, Areas, Sections and the National Board of Directors. The National Office staff members are here to support AYSO programs and answer any questions AYSO families may have.
Section
AYSO divides the country into 14 geographic Sections based on player population. Section Directors are responsible for activities in their respective Section, ensuring that Areas and Regions comply with all AYSO fundamentals and deliver quality programs.
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Area
A group of AYSO Regions combined form an Area. AYSO has close to 100 Areas nationwide. Area Directors are trained to support and mentor each of their Regions, and are responsible for oversight of activities within their Regions.
Region
AYSO’s grassroots programs begin with a community-based league, called a Region. A Region can range in size from less than a hundred players to several thousand. Each Region is run by a volunteer Regional Commissioner and a volunteer Regional Board.