The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) was established in the Los Angeles area in 1964 with nine teams. It was the dream of a group of devoted soccer enthusiasts who started the organization in a garage. Today, AYSO has more than 50,000 teams and more than 650,000 players. It also employs 50 people at its National Support and Training Center in Hawthorne, Calif.
Over the years, AYSO has created many valuable programs and concepts. Most notably, AYSO revolutionized youth sports with its "Everyone Plays®" and "Balanced Teams" philosophies. In AYSO, each child who registers is guaranteed to play at least half of every game. To help create evenly matched games, all AYSO players are placed on new or "balanced" teams each year. These decisions are made based on each player's skill level and the overall ability of the team.
How AYSO Works:
Local AYSO programs are supported by geographic areas all functioning together to make the best possible youth soccer program for your community!
Regions:
The local community soccer programs and the most important part of AYSO. Where kids, coaches, and parents smile and have the most fun... by playing AYSO soccer on their neighborhood fields!
Areas:
Comprised of multiple Regions, AYSO has close to 100 Areas nationwide. Area Directors are trained to create staffs that support and mentor each of its Regions.
Sections:
Comprised of multiple Areas, AYSO has 14 Sections nationwide. Sections provide volunteer training and support at the highest level to all of its local Areas and Regions.
Special Directors:
The chairpersons of AYSO's Referee, Coaching, Management and Tournament National Advisory Commissions help provide discipline specific advice to the National Board of Directors and the National President.
National Board of Directors:
Eleven elected volunteers, plus two independent board members who are appointed, are the leaders of the largest single nonprofit youth sports organization in the United States of America!
National Support & Training Center (NSTC): Home to AYSO's national staff, the NSTC hosts training, offers professional assistance, organizational tools and support to every volunteer at all levels of the organization!
