AYSO programs ready for another successful year

by Scott Fredericks

Dedicated coaches and parents have helped make American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) 423, the chapter that serves the Beverly and Morgan Park communities, one of Chicago’s most successful youth soccer programs.

That dedication also helped with the emergence of a VIP program for physically and mentally handicapped children and adults, which has become the largest program of its kind in the Midwest.

“It’s one of the few places where special-needs children and adults can participate in something and be treated all the same,” said AYSO 423 Regional Commissioner Stuart Baum. “The success of the program is due to the supportive parents and Robin Fullarton, our coordinator. We also have VIP buddies who are high school kids who come out to assist with the program. They earn service hours, but their work is one of the reasons the league runs so well.

“Our VIP program is so unique, and there aren’t many with as much history as ours.”

Baum said each parent works directly with their child in the program.

In addition to the VIP program, the local AYSO chapter is also one of a few in the area to have an under-5 program.

Children that turn four by June 16 can participate in the U-5 program.

“When we petitioned to have the division, we thought we might have 15 to 20 kids come out, but we had more than 50,” said Baum. “It’s an instructional league that teaches basic skills and plays, and we also implement some fun games where they are learning the fundamentals of soccer at the same time. It teaches kids and parents the rules of the game as well.

“We had so many parents tell us how much fun their kids were having and how much it exceeded their expectations.”

Baum said he believes that participants in this division will have a major leg up when it comes time to compete in more advanced leagues.

AYSO has been a successful program because of its five philosophies that include every player getting to play at least half of each game, forming balanced teams based on talent, positive reinforcement from coaches and good sportsmanship.

AYSO is open to kids from 4 to 18 and AYSO 423 leagues are held on various nights at the Dan Ryan Woods from June 7 to Aug. 5. Some leagues are co-ed, while others are single gender, according to skill level.

Registration will be held at Graver Park, 1518 W. 102nd Place, on Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m., March 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and March 21 from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information about registration or any of the AYSO423 programs, log onto the Web site at ayso423.org.

This is part of the February 3, 2010 online edition of The Beverly Review.

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