AYSO Soccer Opening Ceremony Is Huge Success

Dense fog didn't dampen the spirits of more than 2,000 young soccer hopefuls at the local AYSO opening ceremony on Sept. 18 at South Pasadena High.

Players and coaches from more than 200 teams marched with banners held high, celebrating over 30 years of youth soccer.

"It's such a good way to get them into team sports.  And if they like it, they can play for a long time," said Tim Garrity, father of Meghan and Luke.  "They get to meet kids and families from all different areas and schools.  It's fun."

As players walked down the track in front of stands packed with friends and relatives, the team names were announced.  But these were not your typical "Lions," "Eagles" or "Warriors."  This inventive parade featured "The Fantastic Blueberry Eating G-Force Bruisers," "Perry The Ferbot Platapuses," and "Blue Orc Dragonz With Lightsabers."

The local AYSO region covers the South Pasadena and San Marino communities, but offers "open enrollment" to families in neighboring areas, as well.  Mayors Richard Schneider (South Pasadena) and Dennis Kneier (San Marino) were there to literally "kick off" the ceremony by together kicking a large inflated soccer ball. 

"Such a wonderful community event for the kids and parents," Schneider said. 

"More kids play soccer than any other sport," Kneier said.  "I'm glad to see it so well-organized."

That organization is headed by commissioner Kate Gibson, an AYSO veteran. 

"We try to make it fun for everybody," Gibson said.  "The goals of AYSO are positive coaching and letting kids play." 

The organization prides itself on being "child first" with divisions separated by gender and age groups.

Teams play an 11-game schedule with practices and games each limited to one a week with all fields local to the community.  Scores for games are not even kept until the "Under 10" groups.  "It's very low key," said parent and Mountain Dews' coach Andy Stenwall.  "No stress for the kids and parents." 

Last year AYSO began "Silent Saturdays," a program where, during selected games, family, friends, even coaches are asked to stay quiet so the kids can focus on their play without distractions from the sidelines.

Gibson noted that AYSO also strives to have kids involved in different areas of sports. 

"Once the kids get into the upper divisions, they can be 'youth referees' for the younger ones," she said. "We are also starting a new sportswriters' group where kids will be able to write articles on their games and have them posted on our website."

After a final word of thanks from Gibson, the crowd hustled out of the stadium headed to fields for games starting later that day.  The season culminates with the Arroyo Seco Cup tournament being played over the Thanksgiving weekend. 

For more information on AYSO and Region 214, visit www.ayso214.org.

South Pasadena resident Dan Hawes photographed the opening ceremonies, and click on the photo album to view his photos.