About AYSO

AYSO Region 418 Chicago Lakefront

AYSO Region 418 Chicago Lakefront is a nonprofit youth soccer organization based in the north side of Chicago. We offer a complete player development pathway which allows every child, from toddler to high school senior, to those with special needs, to play this beautiful game we love. AYSO is a volunteer run organization and it's the dedication and commitment of volunteers that make our programs possible for our players and families. All of our programs are run by volunteer parents and community members, who donate their time as coaches, referees, team parents, and administrators to provide a positive, fair, and fun soccer experience for Chicago kids.

Our Mission:

The AYSO Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies.

AYSO's Six Philosophies:

Everyone Plays™ - Our goal is for kids to play soccer, so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game.

Balanced Teams - Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible, providing a stronger learning experience for teams as they play teams comprised of similar ability. It also allows for each player to experience playing with a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.

Open Registration - Our program is open to all children who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Positive Coaching - Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. AYSO follows the "PIE Method" for coaching. All coaching should involve Positive Instruction and Encouragement.

Good Sportsmanship - We strive to create a safe, fair, fun and positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

Player Development - We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

Why is AYSO All-Volunteer?

It's About What's Good For The Kids

AYSO's volunteer foundation ensures that it's all about what's good for kids. It also makes AYSO very affordable. Coaches, referees, and administrators are all volunteers. Parents, neighbors, relatives and friends lend their time and talents so that each child gets a terrific AYSO experience. AYSO operates in a business-like manner, but volunteers ensure its "profits" are happy, healthy kids playing a sport they can enjoy for life.

National Partners