American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

Since 2002, WSA has had an extremely successful joint venture with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) for the creation of new soccer leagues ("regions") in disadvantaged areas where AYSO soccer would not otherwise exist. WSA initiated this program for the 2002-2003 AYSO season after more than a year of planning with AYSO officials. The initial strategy was to develop regions through a two-year incubation period, funding five new regions each year.

Working with AYSO, WSA enlisted the aid of the City of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation Department to provide facilities for certain regions, and the program is now a model for a new AYSO program that is being promoted nationally. Since inception, we have originated 16 regions, of which 13 were determined to be viable, safe, and self-supporting after two years. Since the partnership's inception, the new regions have served more than 3,500 children annually -- WSA's highest return per dollar invested of all current programs.

To learn more, visit http://soccer.org/home.aspx.