The fact that the "AYSO club" is having "tryouts" compromises the "open registration" principle of AYSO. Another of its tenets is that AYSO personnel are volunteers. I cannot believe that all these coaches are planning on coaching for free, so it sounds like AYSO has compromised on another of its core principles.
AYSO is a fabulous recreational program which brings hundreds of thousands of players into entry-level soccer. In Southern California, AYSO is the gateway and introductory program for most youth players. AYSO is the dominant program in this niche.
I question what AYSO's reasoning is behind creating a "club" program, and whether it is worth compromising the most sacred of AYSO's traditional principles.
Here's your answer straight from there website lol.
Development Over Winning – AYSO United
AYSO has made the leap from the world of recreation soccer to competitive soccer. AYSO United is AYSO’s official club program, with a formal try-out process — previously non-existent with AYSO — teams will compete in US Club Soccer or U.S. Youth Soccer gaming circuits.
Soccer News from AYSO – Last week, the
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) unveiled its official club program,
AYSO United. The club allows players to enjoy more advanced play, participate in intense competition and receive cutting-edge training while still enjoying the benefits of AYSO and its
Six Philosophies.
“This is an exciting time for AYSO,” shared Acting Executive Director
Mike Hoyer. “We wanted to expand our menu of programs to offer a pathway so families can rest assure that their children will have a competitive outlet, if they so choose to pursue that track.”
What makes AYSO United unique compared to other clubs is the guaranteed playing time. We ensure every AYSO United player will get to play at least 50 percent of each match. This is promised at clubs all over the country, but rarely is accounted for. AYSO has delivered on this commitment since 1964. All players need to play to learn, develop and get better!
AYSO United models its program under
U.S. Soccer’s Zone 1 initiatives that falls directly under AYSO’s “Development over Winning” approach. AYSO is renowned for its commitment to child development and putting the player before game results. AYSO United will continue this commitment as it values the growth of the individual player. AYSO United’s focus is on skill acquisition for players and the team for technical and tactical capabilities.
AYSO United’s primary difference is that each team is formed through a formal try-out process and will compete in
US Club Soccer or
U.S. Youth Soccer gaming circuits, which are external of AYSO game rules. AYSO United players will be required to pay AYSO membership and AYSO United membership fees of $62.50, as well as the fixed costs associated with the club experience. Additional costs will include league fees, uniform costs, tournaments, membership fees and coaching fees.
David Thomas was selected as AYSO’s National Club Program Director. Thomas manages and facilitates growth for AYSO United. Before AYSO, Thomas served as
UK International’s Regional Director. Thomas has a USSF B License and a
National Soccer Coaches of America Association (NSCAA) Advanced National Diploma. His expertise, connections and experience will ensure the success of AYSO United programs.
