AYSO's Six Philosophies                    

AYSO's philosophies are living tenets that separate it from other sports organizations. They are Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development.

Everyone Plays™

Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game. It's no fun to spend the game on the bench...and that's no way to learn soccer!

Balanced Teams

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.

Open Registration

Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 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.

Positive Coaching

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.

Good Sportsmanship

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.

Player Development

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.

AYSO's Vision and Mission

To Be The Nationally Recognized Youth Soccer Program Of Choice

AYSO's Vision is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.  AYSO's Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on AYSO's Six Philosophies:
   • Everyone Plays™
   • Balanced Teams
   • Open Registration
   • Positive Coaching
   • Good Sportsmanship
   • Player Development
The mission is accomplished by providing these essential services:
   • Coaching and referee programs including quality delivery systems
   • Quality administrative and operating systems with a support network
   • Strong financial position
   • Special network for volunteers, supported by a national staff
   • Program research and development