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If you are a youth soccer player, soccer parent or a novice soccer coach looking to join an organized team or you are already in one, it would be a good idea to know little bit about youth soccer organizations and programs in America.
At least you'll know what you and your child are getting into…
…just kidding.
But on a serious note, it is very wise to have an idea how soccer for youth is structured and how it affects your soccer team's program.
So let's find out what these soccer organizations are all about.
The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF)
The governing body of soccer in the United States. It is structured into five different divisions. One of them is a youth division with four national members:
U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS)
The largest youth soccer organization in the nation. The nonprofit organization is made up of 55 member states associations - one in each state and two each in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. USYS's pledge to reach "all kids" is evident in TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer),a program for children with physical or mental disabilities.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
AYSO is a volunteer-driven organization of more than 260,000 parents and friends who serve as coaches, referees and team administrators. Unlike USYS, its policies are centrally administered from its headquarters in Hawthorne, California.
Soccer Association for Youth
A nonprofit recreational soccer organization for youth with only five employees' nationwide. SAY stresses its "kids having fun" motto through a philosophy: every player plays at least half of every game.
US Club Soccer
Fast-growing organization founded in early 2000 as the National Association of Competitive Soccer Clubs (NACSC). US Club Soccer is devoted to the development of competitive soccer clubs and elite players. However, it also registers recreational programs under certain circumstances.
I should also mention two other interesting programs for young players:
Soccer in the Streets (SITS)
A national nonprofit agency that develops soccer, educational and life-skills programs for "at risk" children in public housing and in other low-income communities. With "No Drugs, No Crime…Just Soccer" motto SITS goes beyond teaching young people how to play soccer.
The Super Y-League
National youth soccer league created in 1999 as part of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), member of the professional division of the U.S Soccer Federation. The league's purpose is to offer talented youth soccer players better opportunity in their road to professional and international carriers.
| USYS | AYSO | SAY |
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