Name:

The American Youth Soccer Organization, a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Mission:

To develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies.

Philosophy:

Everyone plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship.

Affiliation:

Affiliate Member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

Membership:

More than 21,500 boys and girls, ages 4 1/2 to 18 playing in the State of Hawaii alone!  Region 188 boasts more than 800 registered children each year.  More than 560,000 boys and girls, nationwide, plus 250,000 volunteer coaches, referees and administrators.

History:

Founded in 1964 in Torrance, California, AYSO's revolutionary philosophy and unique approach to youth sports spread quickly. From nine teams in 1964 AYSO has grown to more than 50,000 teams nationwide.

AYSO Region 188 was established on Hickam AFB in 1978.

Registration Fees:

Locally determined. AYSO Region 188 has maintained a $55.00 fee for the past several years. The $55.00 fee includes an $10.50 per child National fee to fund AYSO National services and $1.00 for United States Soccer Federation membership.

Structure:

AYSO Region 188 exercises local autonomy, operating within the Rules and Regulations and by-laws voted on by the executive membership.

Programs:

AYSO offers: Coach and Referee training and certification courses -- basic to advanced levels; administrative management seminars; player skills programs; programs for kids with special needs and disadvantaged youth (when enough children are signed up).  Services provided: computerized registration, soccer accident insurance, liability insurance, legal assistance, purchasing resource events, tournaments, soccerfests, playoffs, clinics, and volunteer meetings.

Publications:

Soccer Now, a full-color quarterly magazine, distributed to all AYSO households, is the largest circulated soccer publication in the United States.  In-Play, a quarterly newsletter for coaches and referees.  AYSO Shorts, a monthly operational newsletter. ABC's of AYSO, an introduction to soccer.

National Headquarters:

AYSO 5403 W. 138th Street Hawthorne, CA 90250 Telephone Toll Free: 1-800-USA-AYSO (1-800-872-2976)