HOW AYSO STARTED
AYSO was established in 1964 out of a garage in Torrance, California, in an effort to ensure that American kids have the opportunity to be introduced to the beautiful game of soccer. Beginning with only nine teams by a handful of soccer enthusiasts, More than 50 years later, AYSO now has thriving programs for kids and adults in nearly 900 communities all over the country – and internationally in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago – over eight million AYSO alumni, and a name that’s recognized nationwide. 

WHO IS AYSO
AYSO is a non-profit organization that provides youth soccer programs for participants all over the United States and internationally in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. It is often called “the biggest soccer club in the world.” Great soccer starts here! 

AYSO's VISION is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives. 

AYSO's MISSION is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on our Six Philosophies.

AYSO's SIX PHILOSOPHIES are principles that separate AYSO from other sports organizations. These tenets were created to provide a positive, fair and fun soccer experience for all our players:

1. 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 50% of every game.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. POSITIVE COACHING
Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

5. 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.

6. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

AYSO runs on volunteer power. Nearly 150,000 registered volunteers run the local AYSO programs all over the country. Every coach, referee, Regional Commissioner – the list goes on – is a volunteer. Even the National Board of Directors and National President are AYSO volunteers. If it wasn’t for the thousands of volunteers throughout the U.S. donating their time every season, AYSO wouldn’t be as successful and far-reaching as it is today.

Check out Santee 341's Volunteer Needs, Click here

Check out AYSO Volunteer Resources: https://aysovolunteers.org/

AYSO is a soccer program for the entire family. AYSO’s goal is for every child stepping on a soccer field to learn soccer and have a fun, fair and safe experience. But it’s also to ensure that the whole family can be involved creating memories that last a lifetime. AYSO's kid-first approach makes us a leader in player development. Everybody likes to win, but developing successful players and people is what's fundamental. We also create a terrific experience for parents who can be involved with their child as a coach or referee. Training is important to ensure that excellent experience, but it’s easy and usually free. We want to make sure it’s as much fun for mom and dad as it is for your players! With player development in mind, AYSO makes sure that no kid signs up to play soccer and ends up only riding the bench! That’s not how you learn the game. In AYSO, every player on every team plays at least 50 percent of every game.

AYSO NATIONAL OFFICE
The AYSO National Office, located in Torrance, California, provides support to Regions, Areas, Sections and the National Board of Directors. The National Office staff members are here to support AYSO programs and answer any questions AYSO families may have.
More info: https://ayso.org/

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SECTION
AYSO divides the country into 14 geographic Sections based on player population. Section Directors are responsible for activities in their respective Section, ensuring that Areas and Regions comply with all AYSO fundamentals and deliver quality programs. SANTEE is part of Section 11.
More info: https://www.ayso-section11.org/

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AREA
A group of AYSO Regions combined form an Area. AYSO has close to 100 Areas nationwide. Area Directors are trained to support and mentor each of their Regions, and are responsible for oversight of activities within their Regions. SANTEE is in Area 11-V, one of the largest Areas within the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) with almost 6,600 players (boys and girls) ranging in age from 4 to 19 years old. Area 11-V consists of 8 regions each with its own board. Area 11-V is one of three AYSO Areas in San Diego County. The others are Area 11-S in the southern portion of San Diego County including Lemon Grove/Spring Valley and south to San Ysidiro, and Area 11-R in the central and northern portions of San Diego County from downtown north.The Area 11-V operating revenue is generated by contributions from its regions and directly from AYSO.
More info:  https://www.aysoarea11v.org/area11v

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REGION
AYSO’s grassroots programs begin with a community-based league, called a Region. A Region can range in size from less than a hundred players to several thousand. Each Region is run by a volunteer Regional Commissioner and a volunteer Regional Board. SANTEE is in a region including La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Jamul, Julian, Borrego Springs, Mountain Empire and surrounding communities.