Welcome to Chula Vista AYSO Region 290!  This year, we celebrate the 43nd birthday of AYSO.  We are pleased to have you and your children join our soccer family and hope you have an exciting time!

AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) is a non-profit, nation-wide organization.  AYSO is dependent upon volunteers -- everyone in our Region including board members, coaches and referees are all volunteers.

                  AYSO was founded in Torrance, California in September 1964.  At that time, there were few opportunities for youth to play organized soccer; AYSO’s goal was to bring soccer to a broad segment of youth.  Starting with nine teams of 9- to 12-year-olds, AYSO soon grew to 72 teams.  In 1967, AYSO expanded to Northern California.  Today, AYSO has grown to more than 600,000 players nationwide.  AYSO became a National Affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in 1989, and has established a direct link to FIFA (the Federation Internationale de Football Association), the international governing body of soccer.

1. Everyone Plays.  Every child plays at least half a game (unless injured or under disciplinary suspension).

2. Balanced Teams.  All teams in the competitive divisions (U10 - U19) are re-formed each year.  Each player is evaluated and teams are formed to include a cross-section of talent.  Coaches are assigned a team using a blind draw.  Only the coach’s child(ren) are guaranteed to play on his/her team.

3. Positive Coaching.  Because AYSO is committed to helping children develop healthy attitudes about competition, coaching must stress the positive.  Criticism that is negative and not constructive, harms the player and the coach.  While AYSO strives to provide competitive programs, it is important that competition be fun.  The way to build winning players is by building them up, not down.

4. Open Registration.  Membership is not restricted on the basis of talent, race, religion, nationality or creed.  Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing AYSO soccer.

5. Good Sportsmanship.  AYSO desires to create a positive environment based on mutual respect instead of a “win at all costs” attitude.

AYSO is based on community involvement.  Volunteer staffs are encouraged to organize in a way best suited to their needs.  The foundation of AYSO is the “Region”.  Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner who with the help of a Regional Board, conducts business within the framework of AYSO’s philosophies, Rules and Regulations, and Bylaws.  Region 290 is based in Chula Vista (membership in any particular region is not limited to residents within the region’s boundaries).

Several bordering regions compose an Area.  Each Area is administered by an Area Director who is responsible for performance and growth of the Area.  For example, our Area provides both Intermediate and Advanced Coaching clinics, and runs the Area post-season tournaments for both league champions and all-star teams.  Area S is composed of Region 116 (Bonita), Region 258 (Spring Valley), Region 290 (Chula Vista), Region 581 (Paradise Hills) and Region 712 (South Bay).

Areas within a geographic area become part of a “Section” which is led by a Section Director who is responsible for the general welfare and administration of the section.  Winners of the Area post-season tournaments advance to the Section post-season tournaments for both league champions and all-star teams.  We are part of Section 11 (Southern California - South).

A National Board of Directors governs the overall AYSO organization.  Regional Commissioners, Area and Section Directors along with the National Board Members serve as executive members with voting rights.