American Youth Soccer Organization

AYSO requries that coaches are trained and certified, with a goal of instructing them to always be positive and encouraging of their young players. AYSO's volunteer referees also receive training and are the "keepers of the flame" in regard to promoting good sportsmanship. Further, AYSO recognizes that parents play a critical role in the success of the program. We ask that specectators keep in mind that when they are supportive of the players and the volunteer coaches and referees, it creates a positive, fun environment for the players.

AYSO Mission Statement

American Youth Soccer Organization's mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies:

Everyone Plays

Our goal is for kids to play soccer. So we mandate that every
player on every team must play at least half of every game.

Balanced Teams

We require every region at the start of each season to set up teams as evenly
balanced as possible - because it's more fun when teams of equal ability play.

Positive Coaching

The way to make winning kids is by building them up, not down. We
train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand
and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.

Open Registration

Our programs are open to all children between the ages of 5 and 18 who want to
register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Good Sportsmanship

We desire to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than
a win-at-all-costs attitude. All our programs must be designed to instill good
sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

The core values which guide the American Youth Soccer Organization are:

Fun for all

Education for all

Ethics for all

Accessible to all

The mission is accomplished by providing these essential services:

Coaching and referee programs including quality delivery systems

Quality administrative and operating systems with a support network

Strong financial position

Special network for volunteers, supported by a national staff

Program research and development

Character Counts

AYSO is a coalition member of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, and is committed to supporting the Character Counts program.

Its Six Pillars of Character are:

Trustworthiness

Respect

Responsibility

Fairness

Caring

Citizenship

AYSO Region 362

OUR REGION DEFINED

Our local AYSO Region is one of more than 900 local programs in communities nationwide. Region 362 primarily serves the children of Glenview and Golf and the bordering communities. Region 362 belongs to Section 6, Area D in AYSO’s national structure. Section 6 covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, eastern Iowa and Upper Michigan. Area D is composed of AYSO regions serving Glenview and Golf and the following communities:

Morton Grove, Skokie, Highland Park, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Winnetka, Rolling Meadows, Chicago - Rogers Park/Lincoln Park areas.

Each Region is organized under the same Bylaws and Rules and Regulations, which standardize operational procedures, and playing rules, however, because community needs may be different, Regions have the flexibility to satisfy their unique needs.

Our Regional Board of Directors meet once a month (normally the 2nd Monday of each month at the Glenview Park Center at 7:30pm). As a parent of an AYSO player (- and hopefully a volunteer!) you are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. In fact, it is dedicated volunteers, parents just like yourself, who work to ensure our program is running effectively and that the AYSO Philosophies are upheld and that we make sure kids are having fun.

Our Region gives out a Regional Handbook around the beginning of each Fall season with our policies fully defined. The Handbook covers everything from rainout procedures to practice routines.

Region 362 is a recognized affiliate of the Glenview Park District.

Get to know your child's coaches and other parents. Volunteer your time and talents to make our Region run well and both you and your child will benefit from the AYSO experience.

What to expect from our Region...

• A fun soccer experience for your child during games and practices.
• Coaches and Referees who understand and support the AYSO Philosophies.
• Technical training for coaches and referees.
• Committed volunteers who manage the "business" of the Region.
• A national organization for support and guidance.

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