AYSO's philosophies are living tenets that separate it from other

sports organizations. They are:

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. It’s no fun

to spend the game on the bench…and that’s no way to learn soccer!

Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because

it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of

similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience

of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.

Our program is open to all children between 4 and 11 years of age who

want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only

criteria for playing. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets

cut.

Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the

players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A

coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life, so

AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl.

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.

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.