AYSO Region 44 - Programs

In recent years, the national media has focused on the negative, even violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. In a proactive effort to counteract this trend of violence, AYSO is initiating a program called Kids Zone.

As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, three basic elements are involved:

The Badge. This is a pin-on button bearing the program's logo. This will be worn by program supporters at games, and will serve as a reminder of the importance of positive sideline behavior.
The Sign. A large sideline, which lists positive behavior standards, will be posted at the entrance of participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards are welcome—all others are not.
The Pledge. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.

In order to make this program work, we need your help! Kids Zone badges and signs are available from the AYSO Supply Center.

For more information, visit AYSO National - Kids Zone.

College Athlete Program (CAP)

The College Athlete Program (CAP) is designed to help any aspiring student-athletes meet their college goals. It is designed for student athletes who want to:

attend college
play soccer while in college
be prepared to do both.

Participation is open to any age-eligible player who meets the following:

minimum 13 years of age, finishing 8th grade by the next CAP Center and
maximum 18 years of age on July 31st prior to the next CAP Center

For more information, visit AYSO National - College Athlete Program (CAP).

Very Important Player (VIP)

For players with physical or mental disabilities. Down Syndrome, blindness, amputations, limited mobility... there's no reason ANY child can't play soccer.

The VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for children - and adults - whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. VIP teams may include those who are:

blind or visually impaired
amputees or conditions that impair mobility
mentally or emotionally challenged
autistic
Downs Syndrome
Cerebra Palsy.

These kids are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play.

For more information, visit AYSO National - Very Important Player (VIP).

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a child and volunteer protection program that was the first of its kind in youth sports.

The child protection aspect is intended to stop child abuse, educate or remove its perpetrators, and screen out predators before they get into the program. It includes proactive steps which provide a medium for positive, healthy child development, precluding the outbreak of child abuse in a weak, unfocused, non-empowering environment.

Volunteer protection comes in to play as a result of volunteer training, certification and continuing education. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections for volunteers who have been trained and certified, and act in accordance with a written job description. Safe Haven has these three elements, giving volunteers the highest degree of protection available under the law.

For more information, visit AYSO National - Safe Haven.

Short-Sided Games

For younger players, fewer players on the field means more opportunity to be in the action—and to learn the game. Explanation of the benefits of short-sided games for younger players, and the rule modifications for different age levels.

For more information, visit AYSO National - Short-Sided Games.

Tournaments

Local and national tournaments held by AYSO. Some are open to AYSO teams only, some are open to any team. Check the list—updated frequently.

For more information, visit AYSO National - Tournaments.

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