American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

What American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) does

AYSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1964 in Torrance, California, and headquartered there today. It is the oldest nonprofit youth soccer organization in the United States and operates a federated delivery model in which 640+ community-based volunteer Regions provide recreational, introductory, competitive, and adaptive soccer programming to children (ages 3 through adult) and families under the trademarked Six Philosophies framework (Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Open Registration, Player Development). Sub-brands include AYSO Core (recreational), AYSO PLAY! (community-access expansion), AYSO EXTRA (advanced recreational), AYSO Alliance, AYSO United (competitive club), AYSO EPIC (adaptive/inclusive, originally launched as VIP in 1991 and renamed in 2017), Kickstart (new ages 3-6 entry-level experience), and Adult Soccer, supported by events (AYSO National Games, AYSO EXPO, NAGM) and PLAYSOCCER quarterly magazine. AYSO's technology is delivered largely through third-party partners rather than proprietary infrastructure: Sports Connect (Stack Sports) for registration, TeamSnap/MOJO for app-first coaching curriculum, The Coaching Manual for online coaching education, GameChanger for team communication, TopTekkers for player skill development, and web-based LMS platforms for Safe Haven/SafeSport and EPIC coach certification (the latter now augmented by TACA autism-focused content). Revenue is generated primarily through regional player and volunteer registration fees, a tiered sponsorship program with national sponsors (BEEUP, Sator Soccer, New Balance, Henkel/Dial, Cedars-Sinai/Kerlan-Jobe, Players Health, Chobani, Topps, SCORE Sports, Sports Connect, Wilson Trophy, TopTekkers, GameChanger), and donations to the Playership Fund (which has supported more than 5,700 players since 2011); specific registration price points are not publicly disclosed and vary by Region. The national organization is governed by a National Board (Doug Ryan, President) and operates with a small paid national staff while relying on 100,000+ volunteers for program delivery.

Name

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

Legal name

American Youth Soccer Organization

Website

https://ayso.org#.v9dst0197iu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1964 that delivers community-based youth soccer programming to nearly 400,000 registered players and 100,000+ volunteers across 640+ U.S. Regions, through recreational, inclusive, and competitive pathways under its Six Philosophies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Programs and Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Recreational & Intramural Sports Programs (MPAKACAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF)

Keywords

• Youth soccer programs
• Recreational sports leagues
• Community athletics
• Volunteer coaching
• Adaptive youth sports

Headquarters

HQ city

Torrance

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Player/Volunteer Registration Fees: AYSO collects registration and membership fees from players and volunteers. Fees are charged at the regional level. Credit/debit cards are accepted; card data is processed and not stored. Registration fees fund local regional operations and national programs.
2. Sponsorship Revenue: AYSO generates revenue through Premier, National, and Supporting sponsors who pay for the right to reach AYSO's membership. Sponsors may send advertisements and information to members but do not receive direct access to membership data. Sponsors include BEEUP (Official Fruit Snack Partner), Sator Soccer (Official Goal Provider), and others.
3. Sator Soccer Partnership Benefits: Exclusive member benefits including Sator Soccer Rewards Program (GOLD status), preferred pricing, and early access generate value for members while strengthening the equipment partnership.
4. Playership Fund Donations: AYSO accepts charitable donations to its Playership Fund which provides soccer scholarships for players unable to afford full registration costs. Has helped more than 5,700 players since fund inception in 2011.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels15 records

Core offering

AYSO provides community-based youth soccer programs for players ages 3 through adult, delivered through a volunteer-powered network of more than 600 Regions across 640+ U.S. communities. Its offerings span introductory (AYSO PLAY!, Kickstart, Playground, Schoolyard Jamboree), recreational (AYSO Core, AYSO EXTRA, Adult Soccer), competitive club (AYSO United, AYSO Alliance), and adaptive (AYSO EPIC) programs, supported by registration at aysonational.org, the TeamSnap MOJO coaching curriculum, and national events such as AYSO EXPO and the National Games.

Product overview

AYSO offers a comprehensive suite of youth soccer programs built around its Six Philosophies: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development. The core offering includes recreational programs (AYSO Core), entry-level experiences (AYSO PLAY! and Kickstart), competitive club soccer (AYSO United), and adaptive/inclusive soccer (AYSO EPIC). Supporting services include tournaments, national events (AYSO National Games, AYSO EXPO), PLAYSOCCER Magazine, the Coach Store, and the Playership Fund for scholarships. The programs span from toddlers through adults and serve players with diverse physical and developmental needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AYSO PLAY!: Program designed to introduce the game to more new players and expand soccer access in communities with limited opportunities
• AYSO EPIC
• AYSO United
• AYSO Core
• AYSO EXTRA
• AYSO Alliance
• Kickstart
• PLAYSOCCER Magazine

Products and services

• AYSO Core AYSO's primary recreational soccer program, providing community-based soccer for children with balanced teams, positive coaching, and the guarantee that every player plays.
• AYSO PLAY! Entry-level soccer program designed to introduce the game to new players and expand access to communities with limited soccer opportunities, including after-school programs and community partnerships.
• AYSO United AYSO's competitive club soccer program for selected players, offering advanced training and competition while maintaining AYSO's Six Philosophies including 50% guaranteed playing time.
• AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) Adaptive soccer program providing inclusive experiences for players with diverse physical and developmental needs, originally launched in 1991 as the VIP program.
• Kickstart New entry-level soccer experience for players ages 3-6, replacing Playground and Schoolyard programs; uses a jamboree-style format without traditional teams or schedules, focused on child-centered movement, imagination, and play. Developed through national U.S. Soccer research.
• AYSO Playground Soccer introduction program for young children, now being replaced by the Kickstart program.
• Schoolyard Jamboree Soccer introduction program for young children, now being replaced by the Kickstart program.
• AYSO EXTRA Advanced recreational soccer program for players seeking more competitive play within AYSO's philosophy-based framework.
• AYSO Alliance AYSO program offering pathways for players seeking transition between recreational and club-level soccer.
• Adult Soccer AYSO soccer programming for adult participants, extending the organization's player development pathway beyond youth ages.
• AYSO Tournaments AYSO organizes and sanctions tournaments from local level to Section championships, including the Sigi Schmid AYSO Open Cup national competition.
• AYSO National Games Annual national event bringing together AYSO players, coaches, and volunteers for competitions and celebrations.
• AYSO EXPO Annual education and training expo for AYSO volunteers, coaches, and staff featuring workshops and partner exhibitions.
• PLAYSOCCER Magazine AYSO's quarterly magazine featuring articles about AYSO programs, alumni stories, coaching tips, and youth soccer content.
• Playership Fund Scholarship fund providing soccer program access for players unable to afford full registration costs, funded through donations and corporate sponsorships. Has helped more than 5,700 players since fund inception in 2011.
• Coach Store Online store offering AYSO-branded merchandise for coaches, with proceeds supporting the AYSO Playership Fund.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 500,000 players and volunteers served annually across 640+ US communities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• The Autism Community in Action (TACA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 February 2026TACA has been recognized as an official AYSO Education Partner. TACA delivers autism-focused workshops at AYSO EXPO events and live, virtual, and on-demand training modules through AYSO's existing education platforms at no cost to volunteers. Curated TACA content is integrated into AYSO's Coach Training and EPIC Coach Certification curriculum. This collaboration strengthens support for children on the autism spectrum and expands inclusive soccer opportunities nationwide, building on AYSO's EPIC program launched in 1991.
• NikestrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 February 2026Nike is a content partnership through TeamSnap, providing professional-level coaching resources to AYSO's user base. Nike's content is delivered through TeamSnap ONE's unified platform alongside other professional partners.
• Premier Lacrosse LeagueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 February 2026Premier Lacrosse League is a content partnership through TeamSnap ONE, expanding professional sports content available to AYSO coaches and families.
• Sator SoccercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 February 2026Sator Soccer is the Official Soccer Goal Provider for AYSO. The partnership provides AYSO Regions with a comprehensive range of soccer goals and accessories for programs from introductory youth soccer to full-field matches. Members receive GOLD status in the Sator Soccer Rewards Program, early access to new products, preferred pricing, and dedicated support. Sator also provides on-site support at select AYSO national events. The partnership was renewed and expanded in February 2026 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Henkel (Dial brand)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 December 2025Henkel partnered with U.S. Soccer and AYSO to organize youth clinics and equipment drives across the United States. Through the Dial Clean Sheet program, Henkel donates funds based on soccer match outcomes, supporting community soccer access.
• BEEUPcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 September 2025BEEUP, the honey-based fruit snack brand co-founded by David Beckham, is the Official Fruit Snack Partner for AYSO for the 2025-2026 season. BEEUP also serves as an Official Sponsor of AYSO PLAY! Jersey integration includes center-logo placement on AYSO PLAY! jerseys. BEEUP has interactive activations and product sampling at AYSO soccer Saturdays and eight AYSO tournaments. Products are available at Target and BEEUP.com.
• TeamSnap / MOJOcoreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2025TeamSnap is a youth sports management platform that provides the MOJO app as AYSO's coaching curriculum delivery platform. The expanded partnership delivers an app-first coaching curriculum including a full season of animated practice plans for all age groups, available free to coaches across more than 600 AYSO Regions. The partnership simplifies and elevates the volunteer coaching experience and supports AYSO's mission to grow youth soccer participation.
• Cedars-Sinai / Kerlan-Jobe InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO partnered with Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute focused on player health. Cedars-Sinai is listed as a sponsor on AYSO.org and AYSO's Senior Director Scott Snyder participates in conferences spotlighting ACL injury awareness and partnerships with Cedars-Sinai to protect youth soccer player health.
• U.S. Soccer FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO is a proud member of the U.S. Soccer Federation. All AYSO programs, including AYSO PLAY!, conform to U.S. Soccer standards for safety, training, education, and player development curricula. AYSO participates in U.S. Soccer's Youth Member Technical Leaders Working Group and collaborates on age group formation decisions with US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer.
• US Club Soccer and US Youth SoccercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO, US Club Soccer, and US Youth Soccer — the three largest youth soccer organizations in the U.S. — collaborated on age group cut-off decisions, changing from Jan. 1-Dec. 31 to Aug. 1-July 31 (school year) effective 2026-27 season. U.S. Soccer removed its previous mandate, empowering organization members to set their own age group standards.
• U.S. Soccer Federation (Research)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO participated in a national U.S. Soccer research project that informed the design of AYSO's new Kickstart program for ages 3-6. The research involved organizations from across the country working together to understand what creates the best possible first soccer experience.
• MOJO (by TeamSnap)coreTechnology or IntegrationMOJO is TeamSnap's coaching app that delivers AYSO's coaching curriculum. The app provides animated practice plans for all age groups free to coaches across 600+ AYSO Regions as part of the expanded TeamSnap partnership.
• The Coaching ManualstrategicTechnology or IntegrationThe Coaching Manual is the Official Online Coaching Tools Platform of AYSO, providing drills, practice sessions, videos, and professional tips through an exclusive education membership for AYSO and AYSO United coaches. AYSO's Scott Snyder appeared in The Coaching Manual webinar on developing the player and person.
• UK International Soccer (UKIS)strategicTechnology or IntegrationUKIS is AYSO's Camp Provider and Growth Partner. During COVID-19, UKIS posted daily home skills training videos for AYSO players to practice. UKIS provides summer soccer camp programming for AYSO regions.
• Chicago Fire FCstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO partnered with Chicago Fire FC focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for AYSO players and families.
• Northland Sports AlliancestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO and Northland Sports Alliance announced a partnership expanding soccer programming in Kansas City, extending AYSO's reach into a new metropolitan area.
• Sports Connect (Stack Sports)strategicTechnology or IntegrationSports Connect (Stack Sports) provides registration platform infrastructure for AYSO's national and regional operations, enabling online player and volunteer registration across 640+ communities.
• Players HealthstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPlayers Health provides insurance and risk management services for AYSO as an official sponsor, supporting player safety and organizational risk management.
• US Center for Mental Health & SportstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO partnered with US Center for Mental Health & Sport focused on player and volunteer wellness, including mental health resources for the AYSO community.
• ToppsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTopps is listed as an official sponsor of AYSO, providing trading cards and collectibles partnership.
• Wilson TrophyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWilson Trophy is an official sponsor of AYSO, providing trophy and award products for AYSO events.
• ChobaniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChobani is an official sponsor of AYSO through the Feed the Dream program, supporting active families and youth sports.
• SCORE SportsstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerSCORE Sports partnered with AYSO for referee program sponsorship, supporting AYSO's refereeing operations.
• Augusta Sportswear Brands / SOCCER.COMstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerAugusta Sportswear Brands and SOCCER.COM launched an official uniform and retail partnership with AYSO, providing uniforms and fanwear to AYSO members through the SOCCER.COM storefront.
• New BalancestrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerNew Balance partnered with AYSO and SOCCER.COM for official uniform provision, supplying athletic apparel and footwear for AYSO players.
• United Soccer CoachesstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Soccer Coaches partnered with AYSO on coach education and published strength and conditioning principles for athletes with physical or mental disabilities, supporting AYSO's EPIC program.
• Bownet SportsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBownet Sports was a three-year partnership (starting 2017) naming Bownet the official training goal of AYSO United, AYSO's club soccer program. Bownet donated soccer equipment to AYSO families and children in need.
• U.S. SoccercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAYSO partnered with U.S. Soccer and Henkel on community outreach including youth clinics and equipment drives. AYSO participates in U.S. Soccer's Youth Member Technical Leaders Working Group and aligns on standards.
• Scottish Rite for ChildrenstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerScottish Rite for Children hospital is one of the organizations launching neuromuscular training and outreach programs targeting female athletes to reduce ACL injury risk, alongside AYSO and the Aspen Institute-backed National ACL Injury Coalition.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• US Youth Soccer: One of the two largest youth soccer organizations in the US alongside AYSO and US Club Soccer; runs state-level competitive and recreational youth soccer leagues and is a direct substitute for families choosing between national youth soccer platforms.
• US Club Soccer: National youth soccer member of U.S. Soccer focused on the competitive club pathway; competes with AYSO United for higher-tier players and collaborates with AYSO and US Youth Soccer on cross-org initiatives like the 2026-27 age-group cutoff change.
• Soccer Association for Youth (SAY Soccer): National nonprofit youth soccer organization offering recreational and competitive programs through community-based affiliates; the closest small-scale direct peer to AYSO's recreational mission and volunteer-driven regional structure.
• Pop Warner Little Scholars: National nonprofit youth sports organization running community-based tackle football and cheer programs with a comparable volunteer-and-region operating model to AYSO; serves a similar parent demographic competing for the same wallet share.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Soccer Federation: National governing body of soccer in the US and AYSO's parent federation; sets the standards AYSO programs conform to and influences the competitive landscape in which AYSO operates.
• Little League Baseball: The comparable gold-standard nonprofit youth sports organization in baseball; AYSO is often called "the Little League of soccer." Highly comparable in mission, volunteer model, community-region structure, and national-events flywheel.
• National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS): Governing body for high school athletics including high school soccer; represents the next-step institution in the youth soccer player pathway and competes for teenage players graduating from AYSO Core.

Emerging players

• Challenger Sports: British Soccer Camp provider offering youth soccer camps and training across the US; competes with AYSO for share-of-wallet on youth soccer enrichment, especially during summer when AYSO is out of season.

Others

• Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA): Nonprofit that partners with youth sports organizations to deliver Positive Coaching workshops; highly adjacent to AYSO's Positive Coaching pillar and a potential partner/overlap in coach-education content delivery.
• National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS): National nonprofit focused on youth sports administration, coach training, and parent education; offers training and certification programs that overlap with AYSO's volunteer coach education pipeline.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ayso_soccer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCSZbXT5TLLW_i-5W8FZpFsg
• Facebookfacebook.com/aysosoccer
• Instagraminstagram.com/ayso_soccer
• TikToktiktok.com/@ayso_soccer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ayso

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)