Several bordering regions make up an Area.

Several bordering areas make up a Section.

There are no such things as "state association" in AYSO.

To find a region in your area, click on the AYSO Web site link (above), go to "Structure", click on "Local AYSO Region Web sites" and type your zip code in a search box.

Philosophy

1. Everyone Plays
   Every player must play at least half of every game.
2. Balanced Teams
   At the start of each game, teams are set up as evenly as possible.
3. Open Registration
   There are no tryouts. Interest and enthusiasm are the only requirements for playing.
4. Positive Coaching
   Coaches are trained and encouraged to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to the players, rather than use negative criticism.
5. Good Sportsmanship
   AYSO aims to create good sportsmanship on and off the field and to avoid a win-at-all-costs attitude. All of its programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship in the kids.

Programs

Very Important Players (VIP) Program
Program for children with physical or mental disabilities highlights AYSO's "open registration" principle. It allows children with Down's syndrome, impaired sight or hearing, autism, cerebral palsy, conditions that impair mobility and similar problems to play.

The VIP Program integrates its "Very Important Players" into the rest of American Youth Soccer Organization by using adult volunteers and player volunteers to help VIP Players both on and off the field. Players in the VIP Program have a "buddy" - a parent, sibling or friend - who keeps them oriented.

The goals of the VIP Program are for players to:

• have fun
• understand the fundamentals of the game
• learn teamwork and fair play
• increase self-esteem
• become more physically fit
• meet new people.

College Athlete Program (CAP)
Players with a high skill level may be able to participate in CAP, which aims to make playing soccer in college a reality for the student-athlete.

CAP offers several benefits to high school aged players:

• recognizes and promotes player's academic performance
• enhances player's concepts of sport and sporting behavior
• provides training from top level soccer experts
• offers workshops on college entrance requirements and procedures
• provides exposure to college coaches
• assists in the creation of student-athlete portfolios
• offers the chance for national level competition

As is the case with the US Youth Soccer Association, you can probably find an AYSO team that meets the particular needs of your child.

You can also get actively involved by volunteering as a coach, referee or administrator. Even if you have no experience at all, the American Youth Soccer Organization provides the volunteers with Coaching, Officiating and Administrative programs with complete training right from the beginning.

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