A LETTER FROM THE AYSO REGION 345 COMMISSIONER

I am the Regional Commissioner of our region, AYSO Region 345, and I am responsible to AYSO National and, together with our regional board, to you for running our program. As AYSO Region 345 Regional Commissioner, I want to welcome you to AYSO Region 345 either as a returnee or as a newcomer and hope that you enjoy being a part of the ever growing AYSO family.

AYSO Region 345 was founded in 1981 and is a member program of the American Youth Soccer Organization, a nationwide, nonprofit youth soccer organization founded in Torrance, California in 1964. AYSO is a National affiliate member of the United States Soccer Federation.

AYSO has a National Office in Torrance, California, with a full staff to assist our region in maintaining its programs. Our region is located in Area I, in Section 14, and has the benefits of the area staff and the section staff, directed by Michael Hartley.

Unlike other sport organizations, AYSO is run completely on Volunteer Power. All members contribute their time without monetary compensation. Because of this regulation, we must limit our team formation and playing opportunities to match the number of volunteers.

The American Youth Soccer Organization is based on six principal tenets:

Everyone Plays - every child registered is guaranteed to play at least half of every game, provided he/she is not under disciplinary suspension or injured.

Balanced Teams - prior to the formation of teams, each child is evaluated. Subsequently, the child is placed on a team which contains a cross-section of talent. Our goal is to see that all teams are created equal. This process is called "Team Balancing".

Open Registration - every child in the geographic area covered by the region is entitled to register for the regular league season subject only to field availability, sufficiency of adult volunteer help and other important considera-tions. We provide extensive training for all who are interested.

Positive Coaching - since the focal point of each child's experience with the program is his/her relationship with his/her coach, each coach is trained to communicate and act in accordance with AYSO philosophy. Players learn the game of soccer in a healthy atmosphere that promotes self-confidence and self-esteem.

Good Sportsmanship - our regional program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO, therefore a positive environment will be created that is based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude. Support your child, support your team, support AYSO.

Player Development - we believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize the enjoyment of the game.

Date 02/13/2024

Rose Arsenault  AYSO Region 345  Regional Commissioner