40 WHERE DO WE START?
Select Teams For some kids, though, recreational soccer just doesn’t provide enough runway to let their skills and passion for the game really take off. These kids may become frustrated by the lack of interest and dedication demonstrated by their teammates. Soccer is a team sport. As such, it eventually can become difficult for a stronger player to continue his or her development withOrganization
Region
Role
FIFA fifa.com
International
The ultimate soccer authority. Governs international play, governs the rules of soccer, and organizes the World Cup.
U.S. Soccer Federation ussoccer.com
United States
This is the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the U.S., including all U.S. National Teams, U.S. World Cup Teams, and U.S. Olympic Teams
U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS) usyouthsoccer.org
U.S. Youth Soccer
Maintains a network of 55 state associations governing recreational and competitive soccer for youths ages 5-19. Programs are administered with the help of local coaches and volunteers.
U.S. Club Soccer usclubsoccer.org
U.S. Youth and Adult Soccer
U.S. Club Soccer is a non-profit organization committed to the support and development of competitive soccer clubs. U.S. Club Soccer supports the development of competitive and elite teams for age groups U12 and up and adults.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer.org
U.S. Youth Soccer
AYSO’s motto is “everyone plays.” This nationwide grassroots program starts with a community-based league, called a region. Above that, AYSO divides the country into 14 geographic Sections based on player population.
Soccer Association for Youth (SAY) saysoccer.org
U.S. Youth Soccer
SAY is a recreational grass-roots organization with only five employees nationwide; it aims to keep fees low and provide opportunities for kids to play and have fun.