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Parents

Youth Soccer

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the national governing body for soccer, and most people commonly refer to it by its name, US Soccer. Interest in soccer keeps growing and growing all over the world. In fact, there are more than two million registered children -- boys and girls -- playing in the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Soccer for American Youth (SAY), and the U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYSA).

These players, from eight to 18 years of age, participate in regular league play, tournaments, skills clinics, soccerfests, and foreign exchanges. Additionally, more skilled players may qualify for the special national youth teams: Under-20, Under-18, Under-17, and Under-16. The American Youth Soccer Organization stresses the following basic philosophies:

Everyone Plays: No one wants to ride the bench. Under AYSO rules, every player participates in at least half of every game. That way no one, regardless of skill level, is left out. The more you play, the better you get, the more fun you have.

Balanced Teams: Every AYSO region is required to set up teams as evenly balanced as possible. After all, it's more fun to play when teams are of equal ability.

Open Registration: Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria needed to sign up for soccer. Registration is open to all youngsters between the ages of five and 18.

Positive Coaching: AYSO coaches are trained and encouraged to make the extra effort to understand and offer players positive help and reinforcement, rather than negative criticism.

Good Sportsmanship: The purpose of youth soccer is to create a positive environment based on mutual respect than a win-at-all-costs attitude. All AYSO programs are designed with an emphasis on good sportsmanship, positive self-esteem, and kindness toward others.

Excerpted from A Basic Guide to Soccer by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
© 1995 by Griffin Publishing Group
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For information on purchasing the book from bookstores or here online, please go to the Web page for A Basic Guide to Soccer (Griffin Publishing).