HISTORY OF AYSO


The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) was founded in Tonance, California, September 1964, by five men dedicated to youth soccer and the development of caring and concerned American Citizens. Ted Mc Lean, Steve Erdos, Bill Hughes, Ralph Acosta, and AYSO's first President, Hans F. W. Stierle, became the first executive of an organization whose unique "Everyone Plays" and "Balanced Team" philosophies generated a youth soccer program which has literally swept the country.

In 1964, AYSO's family included only nine teams. Today that number has grown to more than 800 regional Programs and 40,000 Teams. The division into geographic regions has resulted in a grassroots program with local leadership. AYSO soccer is a family affair with more than 525,000 players ages ranging from 41/2 to 18 years old. An average of one parent per family actively participates in AYSO acting as coach, referee, team parent, administrator, or sponsor. AYSO is currently supported by more than 200,000 unpaid volunteers.

Through AYSO, youngsters of varied backgrounds and athletic abilities are given the opportunity to participate in soccer. AYSO is proud to provide quality programs for its youngsters and volunteers.

During the first playing season, soccer was limited to children ranging from 9 to 12 years of age. In 1965 the age limit was increased to 13. In 1974 the program spread from California to Hawaii followed by Kansas, Michigan, Oregon, and Utah. Then, in 1975, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Idaho and Florida established regions. In the late 1970's, AYSO expanded its horizon to include states in the Southeast: South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia. Elsewhere in the country, Arizona, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska and New Mexico were also joining. In the 1980's AYSO sprouted in Iowa, Montana, Ohio,Wisconsin, Kentucky and Louisiana. Since 1990, we have established programs in 46 states and Washington DC.

Today's AYSO program is different in many respects. Although still concemed with expansion, our emphasis is now placed on the training and development of adult volunteers. That way we can be sure the Quality as well as the Quantity - of our programs increase. AYSO, with the help of noted experts, is working to improve the education of our volunteers in the areas of child development, human behavior, sports psychology, ethics and sportsmanship.

AYSO programs work because our volunteers work. They work because they believe in the programs. Our phenomenal growth reflects AYSO's commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players and a concern for the development of caring and responsible individuals.