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Meet AYSO

AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION

Est. 1964

Torrance, CA

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Who is AYSO?

The American Youth Soccer Organization is the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States and a nonprofit run solely on volunteers. We were established in Torrance, CA in 1964 with nine teams and a dream of bringing soccer to American children. We were founded on the principles of diversity, equality, inclusion, fairness, and fun. Our mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs throughout the country which promote a fun, family environment built on the foundation of our Six Philosophies. After over 60 years there are 400,000+ players in over 600 regions across the country, making AYSO the world’s largest soccer club.

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AYSO’s Vision

To provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives

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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.

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. 

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AYSO is structured into Sections, Areas, and Regions, with the guidance and 

support of the AYSO Office in Torrance, California.

NATIONAL

Located in Torrance, California, the AYSO Office provides support to Sections, Areas, and Regions and our National Board of Directors. The National staff is here to support AYSO programs and answer any questions AYSO families may have.

SECTION

There are 14 geographic Sections based on player population. Section Directors ensure that Areas and Regions comply with all AYSO fundamentals and deliver quality youth athletics programs.

AREA

An Area is a group of AYSO Regions. 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 all 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.

MANY TEAMS

★ONE AYSO★

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MANY TEAMS ★ONE AYSO★

Section 11 Area E Region 59

11/E/59

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WE ARE AYSO 59

We are currently celebrating 49 years as a Region servicing our community

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AYSO Region 59�Board of Directors

Regional Commissioner

Gena Bowen

Assistant Regional Commissioner

Diana Profant

Treasurer

Calvin Wong 

Registrar

Kat Trujillo

Child Volunteer Protection Advocate

Joe Silvoso

Regional Coach Administrator

Katie Sayers

Regional Referee Administrator/Scheduler

Ron Reynolds

Safety Director

Diana Profant

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AYSO Region 59�Regional Volunteers

Secretary

Rebecca Delight

Extra Coordinator

Wendee Shinsato

Division Coordinators

Julia Mallozzi, Kimmy Kapustin,

Katie Sayers, Kat Goddard, Kaitlin Rojas

Purchaser

Heather Tomilowitz-Croy

Chief Team Parent

Sarah Ceja

Sponsor Coordinator

Marisol Rojas

Yearbook Coordinator

Melinda Melendez

Field Coordinator

Javier Trujillo

Director of Ref Training

Jon Eastin

Snack Shack Coordinator

Vacant

Marketing / Social Media

Hanh Swantek

Webmaster

Richie Sebastian

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AYSO Region 59�Regional Volunteers Needed Immediately!!

Secretary

Safety Director

Assistant Safety Director

Assistant CVPA

Assistant RCA

Regional Auditor

All Star Coordinator

Spring Coordinator

Uniform Coordinator

Field Marshall’s

Snack Shack Coordinator

**WITHOUT THESE VOLUNTEERS OUR REGION CANNOT RUN AT ITS FULL CAPACITY AND STANDARD. WE HAVE HAD

TO CUT PROGRAMS AND MAY NEED TO DOWNSIZE FURTHER TO ACCOMMODATE THE LACK OF REGIONAL STAFF**

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AYSO Region 59�Team Volunteers Needed EVERY Season for EVERY�Division

Coach

Assistant Coach

Team Parent

Referee’s (x2-3)

Field Maintenance Crew (x2-3)

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WHY IS VOLUNTEERING IMPORTANT?

In order for AYSO 59 to continue as a Region and successfully bring world class soccer programs to the kids of our community, we need to fill every volunteer role. Regional board members and Regional volunteers are needed to run the everyday workings of our programs. We want to make sure we are giving the best experience to every member or our region. Team volunteers are needed so that we can create enough teams for all of the kids of our community to play each season. Without team volunteers we cannot build teams. We can only take on as many players as we have volunteers, even at the highest levels, to safely run our programs. We also strive to bring families together, this is guaranteed time with your child to bond over a sport that they love!

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AYSO’s Six Philosophies

are principals that separate AYSO from other sports organizations.

These tenets were created to provide a positive, fair and fun soccer experience for all of our players.

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EVERYONE PLAYS

AYSO’s goal is for kids to play soccer, so we mandate that every player must play at least 50% of every game.

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BALANCED TEAMS

Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible, providing a stronger learning experience for teams as they play teams comprised of similar ability. It also allows for each player to experience playing with a wide variety of teammates with different skill levels.

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OPEN REGISTRATION

If you want to play soccer, AYSO welcomes you and gives all youth in the community opportunity to register and play.

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POSITIVE COACHING

A coach can be one of the most influential people in a player’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every player in AYSO. Additionally, encouraging player’s efforts leads to a greater enjoyment, improved skills and stronger motivation in players.

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GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

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, to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

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Region 59 Goals

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Create a Safe Haven

AYSO asks that all adults – coaches,

Team parents, referees, board members

and parents – work together to create

a safe haven – a safe, fair, fun, family-friendly environment to best meet the needs of the players. Kids need a safe haven to try, fail, learn and develop soccer skills and most importantly, positive feelings of self worth.

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AYSO Kids Zone Fields

AYSO ‘s Kids Zone program promotes appropriate sideline behavior in order to create a safe social and emotional learning environment. Spectators are expected to respect the following sideline tenets…

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AYSO Kids Zone Fields

  • Kids are #1
  • Fun – NOT winning – is everything
  • Fans only cheer, only coaches coach
  • No yelling in anger
  • Respect Volunteer Referees
  • NO swearing
  • No alcohol, tobacco products or other controlled substances
  • NO weapons
  • Leave no trash behind
  • Set a proper example of good sportsmanship

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P.I.E.

Positive Instructions & Encouragement

This concept is so important to AYSO’s coaching philosophy, it was written

Into the National Rules and Regulations. Positive instruction and

Encouragement should always be used to instruct and motivate your players. They will respond better to you and it will help keep AYSO a happy, positive place for all.

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ZERO TOLERANCE REFEREE POLICY

AYSO Region 59 runs on volunteer power and while we recognize all volunteers for their commitment and efforts, it

is a top priority of the region to keep our Referees safe. They, like all volunteers in our region, are parents and 

members of our community. We are all human, and even the most experienced referees make mistakes but it is

crucial that we support them and protect them.  Key points of this policy include…

-Respect for Referees: All individuals, including coaches, team managers, and spectators, must up hold the authority

of referees and refrain from aggressive behavior or disputes.

-Field Conduct: Coaches and spectators are prohibited from entering the field of play unless authorized by the 

referee.

-Behavior Expectations: Yelling, criticism, sarcasm, harassment, or intimidation towards referees is strictly prohibited 

at all times.

-Communication Channels: If there are concerns or questions about calls or game rules, individuals are encouraged 

to contact the Regional Referee Leadership Team.

-Enforcement: Violations may result in ejection from the match and disciplinary action by the Region 59 AYSO Board

of Directors.

�By adhering to this policy, we ensure a respectful and safe environment for all participants in Region 59 matches. 

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Important Policies

YOU Should Know

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AYSO requires the following Supervision:

One adult for every eight or fewer children.

At least two adults should be present at ALL times.

At least one adult of the same gender as players.

Adults should never be alone with a child, other than their own child(ren).

Team coaches are responsible for the players on their team until they are picked up or otherwise leave the area.

No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice.

The AYSO “Buddy System” requires a minimum of 3 players.

�In order to prevent misunderstandings, physical contact with children should be:

In response to the need of the child only.

With the child’s permission.

Respectful of any hesitation.

Careful to avoid private parts.

In the open, never in private.

Brief in duration.

Age and developmentally appropriate.

�Other Protection guidelines also include:

Adults should avoid being alone with a child, other than their own, including transporting a child in a car.

When it is necessary to speak privately with a child, select a spot out of earshot but within sight of others.

Adults set appropriate boundaries and maintain adult privacy.

Respect the privacy of children; intervening only as necessary for health and safety in the absence of parents.

Hug from the side.

No sexual jokes, comments.

No corporal punishment.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Together we are AYSO REGION 59!!