Former AYSO Coach and dad Steve Morris worked with youth at AYSO and then the club level.
A whole group of parents are paying a private company to teach children as young as 2 years old “the fundamentals” of soccer. The teachers and toddlers were at the Palisades Recreation Center at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 18.
If parents are looking for a more age-appropriate setting and program, and one that is more fun, look to AYSO Region 69 Soccer. The program, which has been recognized nationally, has served Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Topanga and adjoining neighborhoods since 1975.
All children born between 2008 and 2019, are eligible to play with this all-volunteer organization. Not only do children learn soccer, but parents do, too, because they become coaches and referees.
The kids get to select the team names and because kids have a stake in the team, they try harder.
AYSO’s mission is to deliver a quality youth soccer program where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family environment based on the philosophies of Open Registration, Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development.
Circling the News has followed the program for close to two decades, and kids who start with AYSO generally continue playing club, high school and college. The environment encourages participation and learning through mistakes, with continuing encouragement.
New Regional Commissioner Lauren Colahan, said there are still a few slots left for the fall soccer program. The registration fee for games and practices from September through December is $500 and is due by June 30. Visit: www.ayso69.org, to set up an account via inLeague.
I heartily endorse AYSO Region 69! Both my sons, now adults, played in the region from a young age throughout their teen years and soccer is still their sport of choice both for watching and participating. They benefitted greatly from the positive coaching and refereeing AYSO provides. The organization engages the family as a whole, asking parents to play their chosen part in this great learning environment for all kids.