[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2069-E2070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to 
the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and its chairman of the 
board, Burton K. Haimes. AYSO was founded in Torrance, CA in 1964, 
``everyone plays'' and ``balanced team'' philosophies have generated a 
youth soccer program which has literally swept the country.
  Today, AYSO has 900 regional programs and 46,000 teams. The division 
into geographic regions has resulted in a grassroots program with local 
leadership. AYSO soccer is a family affair with more than 600,000 
players ranging from 4\1/2\ through 18 years old. An average of one 
parent per family actively participates in AYSO acting as coach, 
referee, team parent, administrator or sponsors. AYSO is currently 
supported by more than 250,000 volunteers. Through AYSO, youngsters of 
diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, and athletic abilities are given the 
opportunity to participate in soccer. AYSO and its sponsors are proud 
to provide quality programs for its youngsters and volunteers.
  Today's AYSO program is different in many respects from its origin. 
The emphasis is now placed on the training and development of adult 
volunteers. That way they can be sure the quality as well as the 
quantity of their programs increases. AYSO, with the help of noted 
experts, is working to improve the education of volunteers in the areas 
of child development, human behavior, sports psychology, ethics and 
sportsmanship.
  AYSO programs work because their volunteers work. They work because 
they believe in the programs. Their phenomenal growth reflects AYSO's 
commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players 
and a concern for the development of caring and responsible 
individuals.
  Recognizing the special needs within our communities, AYSO has 
carefully created unique programs including: TEAM-UP to provide 
assistance where there are ongoing economic challenges, be it rural 
area, small town, Native American reservation or the inner city; VIP 
(Very Important Player) program created to provide a quality soccer 
experience for children whose physical or mental challenges make it 
difficult to successfully participate on regular AYSO teams; CAP 
(College Athlete Program) designed to prepare soccer players to attend 
college and play soccer while in college; Girls Initiative to promote 
girls' participation in soccer along with fostering the development of 
women as coaches, referees and administrators; and Safe Haven designed 
to address the growing need for child and volunteer

[[Page E2070]]

protection through an educational program that includes accreditation, 
volunteer certification, and protection policies.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring the 
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO); the role model for 
sportsmanship and citizenship in our country today.

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