In addition to participating as a player, youth in the area are also welcome to participate as youth volunteers.  There are several opportunities open to our youth volunteers with plenty of training available to make them comfortable with their role.  Players giving back to the region is a big reason why we are so successful in teaching sportsmanship and values.

Regardless of which role you choose to volunteer in, your parents MUST register you as a youth volunteer.  You will need to re-register every spring for the upcoming season, just as you do as a player.  Any training or certification classes that you receive, however, will stay with you for life.  In addition, the region WILL acknowledge or sign off on any volunteer hours (for Silver Cord, NHS, Eagle Scouts, etc).

• Youth Assistant Coach:  Youth Assistant Coaches must be at least age 10 & at least two divisions older than the division they are assisting with (ie: 12U player assisting an 8U team).  The player must be a registered youth volunteer, accepted by the region as a volunteer, and must complete all required coach certification training.  Youth assistant coaches MAY NOT be left in charge of a practice, or run any portion of a practice independently.  Youth Assistant Coaches may assist an adult certified coach with drills, demonstrate technique, and practice with the team.  If you are interested in becoming a Youth Assistant Coach, or would like more information on the program, please contact the Regional Coach Administrator at [email protected].
  

• Youth Referee:  This can make a dramatic difference in the youth volunteer's development as a player on the filed.  Beyond just learning the rules, Youth Referees become more confident and comfortable communicating and leading on the field.  They become more aware of tactics, and what happens or needs to happen off the ball for a team to be successful.  In short they learn by watching others play, and learn from their mistakes.  Youth Referees must be at least age 10 & at least two divisions older than the division they are assisting with (ie: 12U player refereeing 8U).  Youth Referees may act as Assistant Referees (ARs) as needed.  Youth Referees are required to register as a volunteer on a yearly basis and complete all required training prior to volunteering as a referee.  If you are interested in becoming a Youth Referee, or would like more information on the program, please contact the Regional Referee Administrator at [email protected].

• VIP Buddy:  The VIP Program (soccer for players with disabilities) is both unique and revolutionary.  There are few other opportunities for VIP Players to participate in team sports and none as fun and rewarding as AYSO.  VIP Buddies are the backbone of our program in that they have made a time commitment and a training commitment.  VIP buddies must register as volunteers on a yearly basis and must complete AYSO Safe Haven Certification training.  They are paired with a VIP Player on the field to assist with game flow and to keep the game fun and focused.  If you are interested in becoming a VIP Buddy, or would like more information on the program, please contact the Regional VIP Coordinator at [email protected].

• Youth Board Member:  There are several opportunities for those 14U and older to participate as Youth Board Members.  Youth Board Members are non-voting members of the board, who provide us with valuable insight and opinions - from a player's perspective.  They often assist with administrative activities such as picking primary program team names or assisting with our social media footprint and communications.  Youth Board Members MUST register as Youth Volunteers on an annual basis, complete AYSO Online Safe Haven Certification, & be voted in to their position by the regional board.   If you are interested in becoming a Youth Board Member, or would like more information on the program, please contact the Regional Commissioner at [email protected].

Please remember, as a Youth Volunteer - you represent AYSO just as much as an adult volunteer.  You are expected to uphold our beliefs and philosophies, as well as always act in a fashion that does not reflect poorly on the region.  Most importantly, you are expected to set an example for other players in terms of sportsmanship, team commitment, work ethic and leadership.