The AYSO Story: A Legacy of Youth Soccer
The history of the American Youth Soccer Organization is not just a list of dates; it is the story of a revolution in youth sports. From humble beginnings, AYSO grew by building a program centered on child development, fairness, and safety—principles that remain the foundation of Region 84 today.
Did You Know? Today, AYSO is supported by more than 250,000 volunteers across the nation, making it one of the largest and most committed volunteer organizations in the world.
1964: The Founding Vision
The journey began in a garage in the Los Angeles area in 1964 with just nine teams. A small group of devoted soccer enthusiasts had a simple dream: to create a youth soccer program that put children first. They believed the game should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or financial standing.
The Youth Soccer Revolution
AYSO's most profound impact came from two revolutionary ideas that changed youth sports forever and are now core philosophies:
The Everyone Plays® Mandate
Before AYSO, children often sat on the bench for entire games. AYSO changed this by introducing its signature philosophy: Everyone Plays®. This mandate ensures that every player plays at least one half of every game, guaranteeing that development happens on the field, not the sidelines. This philosophy remains non-negotiable in Region 84.
Balanced Teams
The Balanced Teams philosophy was also pioneered by AYSO. To promote a fair, fun, and competitive environment, all players are placed on newly formed or "balanced" teams each year. This process relies on skill assessments to create evenly matched teams, preventing stacked teams and ensuring every child has a positive, development-focused experience.
1998: Safety and Standards
In 1998, AYSO strengthened its commitment to child protection by unveiling the Coach Certification and Safe Haven programs. Recognizing that every child deserves a safe and healthy atmosphere, these programs ensure that all volunteers—coaches, referees, and team parents—are properly screened, trained, and educated in child development, ethics, and sports psychology. Safety is built into the core of our structure.
Region 84: Celebrating 50 Years Strong
While the national story began in 1964, our Mission Viejo community has proudly operated as Region 84 for five decades. This longevity is a testament to the dedication of generations of volunteers, coaches, and board members who have upheld the AYSO philosophies on our local fields. We are honored to be celebrating our 50th anniversary, a milestone that reflects our lasting commitment to providing world-class youth soccer and enriching the lives of children right here in our community.
Your support ensures that the next 50 years of AYSO Region 84 will be just as successful!