WHAT IS AYSO?

The AYSO Organization

History

AYSO stands for American Youth Soccer Organization. AYSO was founded in September 1964 in Torrance, California by five people dedicated to youth soccer and the development of caring, concerned citizens. These five people, Ted McLean, Steve Erdos, Bill Hughes, Ralph Acosta, and Hans Steirle became AYSO’s first executives. AYSO philosophies of “Everyone Plays”, “Balanced Teams”, “Open Registration”, “Positive Coaching”, and “Sportsmanship” have been role models for the development of many other sports programs. In 1964, AYSO’s family included only nine soccer teams and was limited to players 9 to 12 years old.

Today, AYSO had grown to over 650,000 players and over 250,000 dedicated volunteers. AYSO has also expanded its horizons to include soccer players 4 through 18 years of age, and teams for children with special needs (V.I.P. Program). AYSO also now has organizations in 48 states, Russia, Samoa, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the US Virgin Islands.

AYSO is governed by a National Board of Directors. The staff at the AYSO’s National Support & Training Center in Hawthorne, California works closely with the board of directors to provide services such as training, support for coaches, referees, and local volunteer administrators, computer registration, accounting, public affairs, accident reimbursement, manuals, supplies, and cultural exchange.

The AYSO organization is divided first by Section, then Area, and then by Region.

Regions are assigned numbers chronologically with respect to when they were established. We are region 1398, serving Yorba Linda, Placentia, Brea, and Anaheim.  Region 1398 falls under Area Q, which falls under Section 11.

There are three Sections in Southern California (Sections 1, 10, 11). Section 11 covers the geographic zone from the Los Angeles County line south to the Mexican border. There are eight Areas with 52 Regions in Section 11 and 65,000 soccer players.

Area Q consists of seven Regions and 12,000 soccer players from the cities of: Corona del Mar (57), Newport Beach (97), Costa Mesa (120), Tustin (96), North Irvine (213), South Irvine (144) and Yorba Linda/Placentia (1398).

Mission Statement

American Youth Soccer Organization’s mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies:

• Everyone Plays
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship

The Five Philosophies of AYSO

The AYSO program today is concerned not only with offering youth an enriching, growing experience through soccer, but also with training and developing adult and youth volunteers who will carry on the traditions, goals, and philosophies of AYSO. Our mission is to provide FUN soccer programs where young people can develop a positive self-image, self-confidence, and other positive character traits through their interest and participation in soccer.

Everyone Plays

Our goal is for ALL players to play soccer. National guidelines require that each player on every team must play at least half of every game.  Our motto “Everyone Plays” is not just a slogan. In Region 1398, we require every player to play at least three quarters of every game played in our region. 

Balanced Teams

AYSO requires that all teams be as balanced as possible. Our goal is to place each child on a team with a cross-section of talent to make games more fun and challenging for all players.

Open Registration

Our program is open to all children age 4 through 18 years by July 31st prior to the season start.  Interest, enthusiasm, and the desire to have fun are the only criteria for playing.

Unlike other youth sports programs, AYSO does not use a player’s home address to determine which region they can play in.  Players can play in any region as long as they can get their own transportation to practices and games. 

Positive Coaching

AYSO requires that all volunteers maintain a positive attitude during all interactions with players, parents, and other volunteers. Coaches are encouraged to support each player on the team, to set a good example, to make only positive comments, to teach the importance of playing your best, and to help players discover the rewards of playing soccer. We train and encourage our coaches to make an extra effort to understand and offer positive encouragement, rather than criticisms.

Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship begins with the attitude of coaches and parents, extending down to the players. Players model behaviors they see in their own family and coaches. Winning is NOT the most important factor in this soccer program. Working together as a team and treating others with respect are goals of AYSO.