AYSO
About AYSO

Get to Know AYSO
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
is the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States and a proud nonprofit organization. Since 1964, our mission has been to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs that promote a fun, family-friendly environment—guided by our core philosophies.
What began in a garage in Torrance, California, with just nine teams and a handful of soccer enthusiasts, has grown into a nationwide movement and recognized as a cornerstone to soccer in the USA.
More than 60 years later, AYSO serves nearly 500 communities across the country, offering inclusive programs for both kids and adults.
With millions of alumni, AYSO is a name synonymous with excellence, integrity, and community. We remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer in a positive and supportive environment.
What began in a garage in Torrance, California, with just nine teams and a handful of soccer enthusiasts, has grown into a nationwide movement and recognized as a cornerstone to soccer in the USA.
More than 60 years later, AYSO serves nearly 500 communities across the country, offering inclusive programs for both kids and adults.
With millions of alumni, AYSO is a name synonymous with excellence, integrity, and community. We remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer in a positive and supportive environment.
Core Values
AYSO’s Philosophies
Follow Us on Instagram
@ayso_soccer
To every kid playing grassroots soccer at AYSO: look up Cristian Roldan on the USMNT’s 26-player World Cup 2026 squad. ⚽️
Cristian was like you once: he was a kid playing soccer in his local AYSO Region @aysoregion603 and falling in love with the game. Now, he captains the Seattle Sounders FC and has earned his place on the @usmnt World Cup roster for the second time.
Good luck, Cristian! You’re inspiring the next generation. 🇺🇸
The AYSO United 2008 Girls team from the South Bay hub was hard at work reviewing game footage as they prepare for next week’s DPL National Championships in Virginia Beach.
Most of the girls have been together at AYSO since they were 8 years old. Now they’re preparing to compete at one of the highest competition levels of youth soccer.
Good luck to the girls and to all the United teams closing out their seasons. The entire AYSO family is cheering you on!
Every World Cup player started somewhere, and for Haji Wright, it was on a grassroots AYSO soccer field at @aysoregion19. ⚽️
Today, @hajiwright takes the pitch at SoFi Stadium as the @usmnt opens its World Cup run, proof that “Everyone Plays” can lead anywhere. Good luck, Haji, and to the entire USMNT! You’re inspiring the next generation of soccer players. 🇺🇸
Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, AYSO’s Senior Director of Programs and Education, Scott Snyder, participated in a panel discussion at the “Soccer Medicine Updates and New Innovations: World Cup 2026” conference at LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park. Moderated by Vincent Minjares of the Aspen Institute, Scott spotlighted AYSO’s leadership in ACL injury awareness and our ongoing partnership with @cedarssinai to protect the health of youth soccer players.
Over the weekend, Cobi Jones was honored by the LA Galaxy at a statue unveiling ceremony at Legends Plaza. It was a wonderful tribute to a true legend of U.S. Soccer and one of the game’s most respected ambassadors.
Before the World Cups, before the USMNT caps record, and before becoming an MLS icon, Cobi was an AYSO player in Westlake Village, CA. His journey is a reminder of what can grow from a love of the game, a supportive community, and the chance for every player to step on the field and play.
#aysoalum
⚽ GIVEAWAY TIME ⚽
We’ve teamed up with our Official Goal Provider, Sator Soccer to hook one lucky winner up with a 4x6 Power Flex Goal + Legacy26 Ball 🥅🔥
Ready to upgrade your setup? Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @ayso_soccer & @satorsoccer
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag a teammate you’d bring to the pitch
The winner will be announced on May 1st — don’t miss your shot!
When Verónica Pérez started playing at AYSO, she began a journey that would eventually take her to the world stage.
“AYSO is where I first started playing soccer. I just fell in love with the game. My mom still reminds me to this day that she would get the biggest smile seeing me out there playing because I looked so free and happy,” said Pérez.
“I didn’t know then that soccer would take me around the world or lead me to play in two World Cups, but AYSO gave me that first spark. I was a very shy and quiet kid, but on the soccer field my personality could shine. The game was fun, it was my safe space, and I belonged there.
To all the young soccer players: dream big and believe in yourself, even if you’re quiet or unsure sometimes. I was a really shy kid growing up, but soccer gave me confidence and a place to express myself. Work hard, enjoy the game, and don’t be afraid to chase big goals, even when things get hard or the odds are against you. Step into your power because you never know where the game can take you.”
AYSO is proud to announce a new national education partnership with The Autism Community in Action (TACA) to expand inclusive soccer education across the country.
Through this collaboration, AYSO coaches and volunteers will have access to:
• Autism-focused workshops at select 2026 AYSO EXPO events
• Live, virtual, and on-demand training modules
• Integrated resources within AYSO Coach Training and EPIC Coach Certification
This builds on our long-standing EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) program and strengthens our commitment to creating positive, supportive soccer environments for children of all abilities.
We are pleased to welcome Jenni Luke as the new National Executive Director of AYSO.
Jenni brings a strong background in leading mission-driven organizations focused on youth, families, and community impact, including national sports and nonprofit leadership roles. She will work closely with volunteers, staff, and leadership across the country to strengthen program quality, support long-term sustainability, and continue delivering high-quality soccer experiences.
Read the full announcement at AYSO.org. Link in bio.
ACL injuries are one of the most common and impactful injuries in youth sports. Understanding how they happen and how to help prevent them is key to keeping our young athletes healthy, confident, and active.
Join us on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 12:30 PM PT for a discussion on ACL injury awareness and prevention, streaming simultaneously on YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn Live.
Scott Snyder, Senior Director of Programs and Education at AYSO, sits down with Dr. Carlos Uquillas, Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgeon at Cedars Sinai Orthopaedics, for an insightful conversation on what athletes, parents, and coaches should know about ACL injuries, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and best practices for keeping players healthy and active.
This Giving Tuesday, help us kick off something special! By supporting AYSO’s Play Soccer Fund, you’re helping more kids experience the joy of the beautiful game. Join us on 12/2 and throughout the holiday season, and together we can give the gift of soccer!
Learn more at ayso.org/donate. Link in bio.
For over 60 years, AYSO has brought the beautiful game to kids across the country. This Giving Tuesday, you can help us continue that legacy. ❤️⚽️
Donate on or before Giving Tuesday to help create lasting memories and inspire the next generation. 🙌
Together, we can bring the joy of soccer to even more kids.
Visit ayso.org/donate today. Link in bio.
Soccer brings us together. ⚽💙 @aysoplay teamed up with @ussoccer and @henkel to bring our Community Clinic Series to neighborhoods in Stamford, Connecticut and New Jersey, sharing the joy of the game with kids of all ages and backgrounds. Together, we’re making soccer more accessible, more connected, and more fun for everyone, everywhere.
🎉 AYSO Section 2 celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Golden Gate Camp this month, marking three decades of volunteer development and community. The three-day retreat provides AYSO volunteers with comprehensive training in coaching, refereeing, management, and instruction, while fostering immersive learning, connection, and guidance from seasoned instructors.
🎉 Soccerfest kicked off the AYSO National Games at the Great Park with excitement and energy. Players and coaches were mixed into new teams, creating memorable moments filled with smiles, laughter, and teamwork. In just a couple of hours, friendships formed across regions, and the spirit of AYSO was on full display. #aysonationalgames
AYSO Volunteers across the nation are preparing for an exciting fall season! Over the weekend, more than 200 volunteers in Southern California attended the Area 1R Super Camp, where they received training and resources for coaches and referees. All of this preparation is to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable season for our players to develop on and off the field. Talk to your local AYSO Region to learn more about becoming an AYSO Volunteer.
Let’s play! ⚽️ Today, @aysoplay, @la84foundation, and @playequityfund celebrated Play Day, a nationwide day of movement, connection, and fun for all kids. The National Day of Play is all about getting kids active to showcase the power of youth sports and play to uplift communities. #PlayDay25 #playsoccer
Over the weekend, AYSO Sections 1, 10, and 11 hosted the annual Ken Aston Referee Camp at Chapman University with sponsor @scoresports. More than 130 dedicated volunteers participated in a weekend filled with advanced soccer education and meaningful networking with fellow referees and administrators. They had the opportunity to build lasting friendships within the AYSO referee community.
The camp offers seven specialized referee courses, including Intermediate, Advanced, and National Referee certifications, as well as Assessor, National Assessor Instructor, and Advanced Instructor courses. Each class is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs of the AYSO Program, ensuring participants return to the field equipped with the knowledge and confidence to lead and officiate effectively. #aysoreferees #aysovolunteers
Thank you to everyone who participated in the “Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour” ticket giveaway. Over 400 people shared why they love AYSO, and we loved reading everyone’s messages. ⚽️
🎉 Congratulations to @laurenhadley_ on winning four tickets to the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour! We will DM you shortly.
Have a great summer and check out descendantszombieslive.com for upcoming tour dates!
Hey AYSO families! Wondering what to do before the fall season? AYSO has partnered with AEG Presents to bring you an opportunity to win four tickets to the “Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour,” coming this summer to a city near you.
➡️ How to enter:
⚽ Follow @ayso_soccer on Instagram
⚽ Share why you love AYSO in the comments
⚽ Tag your AYSO Region or mention your child’s team name
*Must be 18 years or older to enter.
The winner will be announced on May 30th. Good luck!
On March 17, South Los Angeles Region 1031 hosted an AYSO PLAY! Community Clinic at Kenneth Hahn Soccer Fields. Despite rainy weather in the hours leading up to the evening event, 80 young players showed up ready to play, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff organizers. The Region is following up to connect with these new families about joining AYSO 1031.
This is a wonderful example of how AYSO PLAY! can work hand-in-hand with Regions to drive community engagement. If you’re interested in how AYSO PLAY! can potentially help your Region, please email us at info@aysoplay.org.
#ayso #soccer #aysoplay
⚽️ AYSO x GameChanger ⚽️
Upgrade your game with @getgamechanger – for FREE! GameChanger gives you everything you need to manage your squad with ease 📲
✅ Create your team and schedule from scratch or import them from SportsConnect
✅ Manage RSVPs, team chat & game schedules
✅ Stream & score games
Get started today! ⬇️
https://gc.com/soccer






































































































