Established in 1964, the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a nationwide non-profit organization headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It oversees approximately 250,000 volunteer coaches, referees and administrators and more than 650,000 players age 4 through 18. The organizations basic mission is simple. We attempt to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family-oriented environment.

Nationwide, the organization is broken down into "Sections" which may cover a portion of a state, an entire state, or several states. Individual sections are further broken down into "Areas" which are, in turn, further broken down into "Regions". Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner who, with the help of a regional board, conducts business within the framework of AYSO philosophies, rules, regulations, and bylaws. Depending on its stage of development, a Region may have as few as 200 players or as many as 5,000, grouped into boys and girls divisions based on age. Chatsworth / Porter Ranch, designated as Section 10, Area V, Region 795, supports roughly 700-800 players each year.

Each Region is managed by parents just like yourself. In fact, you may be one of those dedicated volunteers working to ensure the program is run effectively and AYSO philosophies are upheld. Your Regional Commissioner and Regional Board of Directors, who are all volunteers, usually meet once a month during the season and perhaps more often for pre-season planning. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings.

The staff at AYSO's national headquarters works closely with these volunteer board members and interfaces directly with each Region. The headquarters, called the National Support and Training Center or NSTC, provides many services: computerized registration; publications; liability and accident insurance; training for coaches, referees and administrators, and more. An in depth overview of the entire organization can be found at the web site.