It's About What's Good For The Kids
AYSO is completely volunteer-run. This means that coaches, referees and administrators are all volunteers. Over 125,000 parents, neighbors, relatives and friends lend their time and talents so that each child gets a terrific AYSO experience.
AYSO's volunteer foundation ensures that it's all about what's good for kids. It also makes AYSO very affordable. AYSO operates in a business manner, but volunteers ensure its "profits" are happy, healthy kids playing a sport they can enjoy for life.
AYSO's volunteers go through background checks before child contact is allowed. They also go through position specific training that helps parents who may have little or no soccer experience quickly gain the age-appropriate knowledge and skills they need to be effective coaches and referees. Through this process our volunteers can help build a solid foundation for kids to develop and learn the game of soccer.
It also has unique administrative and management training. This ensures that each community program (the Region) is:
- Abiding by the AYSO philosophies
- Offers a great AYSO experience
- Continues to grow, offering the AYSO opportunity to more children
It only takes a few hours to become qualified as an introductory-level coach, referee, or administrator. But if you're not able to commit even that much time, there are many small jobs you can help with. Even a couple of hours each season are an important contribution to your team and Region!
AYSO training doesn't stop as long as you're having fun. Referees, coaches and administrators have clinics, workshops and other advanced training available to advance their skills.
Volunteer opportunities are available whether your child is just starting their soccer journey or if you're an empty nester looking to stay involved in youth sports. Head over to our Coaches tab to get started today!