AYSO's Structure

About AYSO

AYSO is a national organization with 850 individual programs, called Regions, across the nation, engaging more than 400,000 players and 100,000 volunteers.

Soccer is a global sport that Americans have embraced in record numbers. From teaching basic motor skills to the very young, to teamwork and social skills in teens, soccer is a game you can grow with and enjoy for the rest of your life.

AYSO’s “child first” approach with age-appropriate, small-sided games makes it one of the finest athletic programs in the world. Development over winning is what is fundamental in AYSO.

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.

Due to the thousands of volunteers throughout the U.S. donating their time every season, AYSO is as successful and far-reaching as it is today.

AYSO is structured by Regions, Areas and Sections

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.

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.

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.

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.

AYSO Logo

History

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a nonprofit and the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States. Beginning with only nine teams by a handful of soccer enthusiasts, 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.

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.

Volunteer Power

AYSO runs on volunteer power! This means registered volunteers run the local AYSO programs all over the country. Additionally, our National Board of Directors, National President, as well as every coach, referee, and Regional Commissioner – the list goes on – is a volunteer.