Submitted By Darryl Ross
Regional Commissioner
South Orange County is a hotbed of soccer activity.
So with all of the choices, why AYSO? The reason, simply put, is that AYSO is dedicated to providing youth soccer programs that promote a fun, family environment based on the following philosophies: Everyone Plays: Our program’s goal is for kids to play soccer-so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game; Balanced Teams: Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible-because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play; Open Registration: Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer.
Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing; Positive Coaching: Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players; Good Sportsmanship: We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO…..and last, but not least; Player Development: whereby the end result is not only to create “better soccer players”, but also to provide a meaningful experience that will enrich the life of every participant.
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, which has grown from nine teams in Los Angeles in 1964 to more than 600,000 athletes (ages 4-19) throughout the U.S. today! Of this number, close to 20,000 play in AYSO Area 11L, which is comprised of ten cities throughout South Orange County, including AYSO Region 889 – which serves Aliso Viejo.
Other benefits of AYSO include the AYSO Safe Haven Program. Safe Haven is a child and volunteer protection program that was the first of its kind in youth sports. The child protection aspect is intended to stop child abuse, promote education and awareness, enforce policies, as well as screen and train volunteers. It includes proactive steps that promote a positive, healthy environment for children. Therefore, each coach, referee or volunteer who interacts with the children must successfully complete the Safe Haven class. In addition, coaches and referees must complete age appropriate training.
AYSO also proudly offers the Very Important Person (“VIP”) program. The AYSO VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults with special needs, where physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include children who are: blind or visually impaired; amputees or with conditions that impair mobility; mentally or emotionally challenged; autistic children, or children with Downs syndrome or Cerebral Palsy. These players are Very Important Players in AYSO. We recognize that all people need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays to new heights – truly giving everyone a chance to play.
In addition to the primary soccer program, AYSO Area 11L also offers opportunities for higher levels of competition. AYSO Plus was developed for U10 through U14 players with advanced soccer skills. Players participating in this program will compete against teams from Central and Southern OC including Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Clemente. Most teams continue into the spring season as Spring Competitive teams. Highlights of this exciting program include:
• Players compete in single age divisions and you PAY AYSO PRICES which are far cheaper than other organizations!!!!!!
• Tryouts for AYSO Plus are open and final decisions are made by an impartial Evaluation Committee.
• Finally, AYSO Plus players remain exposed to AYSO’S CORE PRINCIPALS (everyone plays, positive coaching, etc) AND players in the plus program have an opportunity to stay with their coaches and teammates.
More information about the AYSO PLUS program can be found at www.ayso889.org
Finally, and most do not know, but AYSO offers a Club soccer experience. The Pacific Soccer Club – South (PSC-S) is a member of California Youth Soccer Association – South (CYSA-S), the state governing body for Club soccer as well as the Coast Soccer League gaming circuit, giving PSC-S full league status. While PSC-S is a “club” organization, each and every coach, trainer and administrator is still responsible for adhering to the five basic principles of the AYSO philosophy. PSC is an important alternative as player fees are approximately 40-50% less than other soccer clubs. More information about PSC-S can be obtained at www.aysopacificsoccerclub-south.org.
AYSO is a member of United States Youth Soccer (USYS) the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the governing body for all organized soccer activity in the United States. Through the years, the AYSO has also maintained relations with organizations such as the National Council of Youth Sports, Girls Scouts USA, the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, People to People, Optimists International, Police Athletic Leagues, the National Alliance for Youth Sports, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCA and the Character Counts program. In addition, AYSO works closely with 20 corporations that are part of the organization’s National Team of Sponsors.
AYSO has been the leader in establishing groundbreaking youth soccer programs in the United States. The organization is proud to have paved the road for youth soccer and looks forward to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. For more information about AYSO soccer, please visit www.ayso889.org (Aliso Viejo) or www.ayso11l.org. (Southern Orange County).
