AYSO continues to pride itself on 'everyone plays' philosophy
Local region boasts more than 2,000 athletes

Soccer may not be the national sport, but try telling this to an enthusiastic kid who spends time at Freedom Park on Saturday mornings.

Every weekend during the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) regular season, soccer fields brim with the energy of children of all ages and abilities.

AYSO prides itself not only on the volume of players- 2,336 players registered in Region 68 this fall- but also on the fact that everyone is welcome.

"Everyone plays," said regional commissioner Ruben Gonzalez, "regardless of skill level, regardless of ability. We do not turn anyone away."

Although the regular season will end this Saturday, AYSO is already looking to the future. Once the Village at the Park, the new 55acre sports park, opens in fall 2008, then the league will move all its games to the new facility.

Region 68 is also in the process of applying to host the 2010 National Games, a weeklong tournament that is held every two years. Gonzalez, who attended the last two national tournaments in Lancaster in 2004 and Chicago in 2006, estimated that Lancaster "netted $5 million from revenue" by hosting the national event.

Operated solely by volunteers, Camarillo AYSO, which boasts 284 teams with players ranging from ages 5 and younger to under 19, has proven its commitment to the community with a variety of programs. The organization prides itself on its VIP Program for physically or mentally disabled players.

Due to financial hardships, some players do not pay the $75 fee, while others receive financial help as needed.

R e gion 68, which has 32 players in the VIP program, hosted a VIP tournament featuring 180 players from across Southern California on Nov. 4 at Freedom Park.

With 17 years in AYSO, Gonzalez has seen the league grow from about 1,500 players to nearly twice that. He hopes the league continues to grow in more ways than player volume.

"One of my goals is to improve the level of coaching and skill in Camarillo," Gonzalez said, saying the league has expanded its United Kingdom International Soccer Camp program, at no extra cost to the players.

Although soccer is still considered a niche sport at the national level, Gonzalez had a theory why the sport thrives with children.

"All you have to do is run and kick a ball, and just about anyone can do it," Gonzalez said. "It's an easy sport to learn, and it's an easy sport to do. That's what we pride ourselves on. With baseball or softball, you need handeye coordination; with basketball you need a different set of skills. Every kid on the planet can kick a soccer ball. It's something everyone can do."

- Eliav Appelbaum