AYSO Soccer: Everything You Need To Know

The American Youth Soccer Organization, also known as AYSO Soccer is a non-profit soccer organization dedicated to offering youth soccer programs for kids aged 4 through 19.

Established in 1964 in Torrance, California, AYSO has grown into one of the world’s largest youth sports organizations.

With over 60,000 teams and roughly 600,000 players spread across nearly 1,000 Regions in the United States, AYSO has become a trusted name in youth soccer.

AYSO operates with six guiding philosophies that serve as a North Star, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and fair environment for all players, regardless of their skill level or experience.

It’s not about being the most competitive soccer program, and that’s precisely what makes AYSO stand out.

Instead, it focuses on providing a supportive setting where children can learn and play soccer while having fun.

The organization’s commitment to encouraging a positive and inclusive soccer experience has made it a preferred choice for families seeking a wholesome environment for their young athletes.

Contents

The History of AYSO Soccer
Structure of AYSO Soccer
AYSO Soccer Tournaments
How to Enroll Your Kids in AYSO Soccer

The History of AYSO Soccer

AYSO Soccer: Everything You Need To Know | 2024

The American Youth Soccer Organization started in 1964 with nine teams and a few volunteers.

Their main aim was to introduce American kids to soccer, giving them a safe and enjoyable place to play. Over the years, they’ve not only achieved this goal but much more!

The founders believed soccer could boost fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship in children. They wanted a program that all kids, no matter their skills or background, could join.

Since then, they have become a national organization with 60,000+ teams and 600,000+ participants of various ages, from 4-year-olds to adults.

Their programs focus on developing soccer skills and teaching important life skills like leadership and communication.

They believe every child should have the chance to play soccer in a positive and supportive environment.

The organization has made a big impact on youth soccer in the United States.

By providing a safe and fun place for kids to play soccer, they’ve helped promote the sport and develop the skills of many young players.

Structure of AYSO Soccer

AYSO Soccer operates within a well-organized structure designed to create a secure, equitable, and enjoyable environment for children engaging in youth soccer.

The organization is categorized into Sections, Areas, and Regions, each playing a key role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the programs.

Areas: At the next tier, multiple AYSO Regions combine to form an Area.

With close to 100 Areas across the nation, each Area has an Area Director responsible for providing support and guidance to the constituent Regions.

Area Directors are trained to mentor and oversee various activities within their assigned Regions, contributing to the overall success and consistency of AYSO programs.

Sections: AYSO divides the entire country into 14 Sections, taking into account the player population in each geographic area.

Section Directors play a pivotal role in overseeing the activities within their designated Sections.

They ensure that the smaller entities within their purview, such as Areas and Regions, adhere to AYSO’s rules and philosophies while maintaining the quality of the soccer programs.

Regions: The heart of AYSO’s grassroots soccer initiatives lies within the community-based league known as a Region.

Regions are where young soccer enthusiasts first step onto the field, encouraging their passion for the game.

A Region serves as the foundation for the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that soccer is accessible to all children aged 4 through 19.

AYSO’s approach to soccer goes beyond just playing the game; it’s about creating an environment that promotes growth, teamwork, and fun.

By establishing a hierarchical structure from Sections down to Regions, they ensure that its principles and high standards are consistently upheld across the nation.

This structure also facilitates communication, mentorship, and support, fostering a sense of community within each level.

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AYSO Soccer Tournaments

Its regular season is from September to November and March to May.

Teams play a bunch of games against others in their area. This time is all about getting better at soccer, working as a team, and, most importantly, having fun on the field.

But if you’re really into the game and want more, AYSO also has tournaments.

These happen all year round and let players step up their game. In tournaments, you get to play against teams not just from your area but from other regions and even other countries.

Tournaments are like a big stage for players.

It’s a chance to show off your skills and play against other great players your age. Plus, it’s a cool way to travel and see soccer in a whole new way.

So, whether you’re all about the regular season or looking for that extra challenge, AYSO’s got something for everyone who loves playing soccer.

Here is a list.

December 2023

Covina Christmas Classic Tournament

Covina, CA

Royal Oak Middle School

December 1-3, 2023 (Local teams only on Friday PM)

AYSO Invitational 10U – 14U Boys & Girls

Fee: 10U $400; 12U $450; 14U $500

Referee Deposit: $250

Contact: Tanisha Lewis-Torres (626) 373-3623

The History of AYSO Soccer

Structure of AYSO Soccer

AYSO Soccer Tournaments

December 2023

Covina Christmas Classic Tournament

AYSO Santa Clarita Gold Rush

Christmas Classic

25th Annual AYSO Beverly Hills Sportsmanship Cup

January 2024

AYSO Lompoc Spaceport Classic

2024 HI 5 Tournament

Central Coast Classic

Pony Express

Region 180 Winter Classic

Old Pueblo Invitational Tournament

Adobe Cup

February 2024

Surf ‘n Turf

North Valley Classic Tournament

Hauptman & Freeman Classic

2024 Presidents Cup

AYSO Riverside Locomotion Tournament

March 2024

25th Annual Kickoff Classic Tournament

Patriot Cup

2024 Pot O’Gold

April 2024

Dirk Keck Cottontail Classic

Apricot Jam

Eagle Classic

Walnut Spring Fling (16U/19U)

44th Annual AYSO Oxnard Sports Festival Soccer Tournament

2024 AYSO Rancho Cucamonga Grape Stomp Invitational

May 2024

Walnut Spring Fling (10U-14U)

Summer Blast-Off Tournament

Mike Marks Mission Classic

29th Annual California Strawberry Cup

Upland AYSO Highlander Classic 2024

Soaring Over Jurupa Open Invitational Tournament

June 2024

AYSO Region 12 South Bay Aviation Cup

Patriot Cup

July 2024

AYSO Rainbow Tournament

How to Enroll Your Kids in AYSO Soccer

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