Banditz AYSO All-Star Team from more than 20 years ago.
For many families, parents feel that having their children play club soccer will put the child on a path to being a star in high school, which will translate into a college scholarship.
Those families forget that sports for children should be about learning and fun, that kids quit soccer by the time they’re teens because they don’t want to play club, which has become a professional sport.
AYSO Region 69 Soccer is once again offering kids a chance to play and they don’t have to be stars or even coordinated. Fall Registration for Region 69 opens on April 14 and the region is celebrating its 50th year of letting everyone play.
This region has served Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Topanga for 75 years. The tenets of AYSO are Open Registration, Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development. Register on the Region 69 website www.ayso69.org.
Debbie Held, a 45-year AYSO volunteer, who has been nominated for the Executive Member position of Regional Commissioner, said “We recognize that we will face challenges during the next few years, but are determined to provide a fun, family-friendly soccer program. We want everyone to play.”
Practice and games will be at Revere Middle School, Kenter Canyon Elementary School, Brentwood Science Magnet, and possibly Barrington Park. The season starts late August with practices, and ends mid-November, or early December, depending on the division. Allstars and tournament play will follow, for those players and families interested.
The 5U (five and under) and 6U Program will take place on Sunday mornings. The 7U’s might also play on Sunday’s, depending on the number of overall sign-ups. The 8U and older youth will play on Saturdays.
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. Held said, “We need many volunteer coaches, referees, and BOARD MEMBERS, and we will provide training, so don’t forget to sign up to volunteer when you register your children. A parent volunteer means the world to their own children, and it is a position parents will always cherish. Ask our alums!”
Held is looking for parents to fill board positions. She needs help running this successful program. Contact: registration69@aol.com.