AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization)
OrganizationAbout
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a non-profit organization established in 1964 in the Los Angeles area. It was founded by a group of soccer enthusiasts with the goal of introducing children to the sport. Today, AYSO has grown to include over 50,000 teams and more than 600,000 players across the United States and internationally. The organization is driven by volunteer power, with nearly 250,000 volunteers contributing as coaches, referees, and administrators. AYSO is guided by six core philosophies: Everyone Plays, ensuring each player participates in at least half of every game; Balanced Teams, forming teams of similar skill levels; Open Registration, welcoming all interested children; Positive Coaching, promoting encouragement and skill development; Good Sportsmanship, fostering mutual respect; and Player Development, focusing on individual and team growth. AYSO also offers programs like the Very Important Player (VIP) initiative for children with special needs, promoting inclusivity and fun for all participants.
