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Mayor kicks off AYSO Region 71 soccer season

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Contributed by: Pam Vetter on 9/6/2008

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa kicked off the 2008 fall season for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Woodland Hills Region 71.

Opening-day ceremonies were held at Taft High School in Woodland Hills as the Taft High School Marching Band played the national anthem.

"My kids played soccer in AYSO," Villaraigosa explained, "and I can tell you it was a great experience as a dad to see your kids play and be with so many families. AYSO gave my kids an opportunity to play a sport that requires a great deal of ability but it was also a great opportunity to be with families. It's important for kids to learn about the sport of soccer, but also team building. The most important thing about organized sports such as soccer or basketball is that it's an opportunity to be with other kids and their families and getting families to volunteer."

Villaraigosa noted that the city does take a role in helping with the condition of the soccer fields at city owned parks.

"What happens with soccer fields is that players use them so much, sometimes they're going to synthetic fields and we're doing that in some places because you just can't keep up with needs of the fields," Villaraigosa said.

Later, he joked with the crowd of parents and players.

"I was asked about the condition of the fields, is that the city's responsibility? From time to time it is. So, if there are complaints, give them to Dennis Zine. When you have good things to say, bring them to me," he said with a laugh as the crowd laughed along.

"Most importantly, we've got to promote soccer and sports for our kids. It's so important and we've got to promote family as well. I grew up playing football. I wish I learned soccer because it's something you can play for the rest of your life," he added. "With all of you, it's just great to be able to celebrate family. There are so many people volunteering here, all the coaches, and everybody's a volunteer. What's so great about this sport is that it's a great opportunity for the families to be with the kids."

When Villaraigosa saw the crowd of youth soccer players, he turned to his staff and asked, "Why didn't we bring gifts? I don't like coming to opening day without some kind of gift, so I'm going to make sure there's 200 tickets to either a Galaxy or Chivas game. Raffle them off to the kids, not necessarily the best athletes, but to the kids with the best sportsmanlike conduct."

The offer of free tickets was met with enthusiastic cheers from all of the players. In fact, the huge crowd cheered Villaraigosa's appearance, as this was his first opening day spent with AYSO Woodland Hills Region 71.

Los Angeles Councilman Zine is a regular opening voice for the ceremonies. In recent years, he has always donated money to AYSO to encourage kids to play soccer.

This year, Zine's Chief of Staff, Cliff Ruff, continued the wonderful tradition on Zine's behalf by announcing a $1,000 donation to Region 71.

"On behalf of Councilman Zine," Ruff said, "we thank you for your participation in American Youth Soccer and your help in providing activities to children so there are alternatives to gang violence. This is a great organization, a great history and it's the future of our country."

New Regional Commissioner Monique Franklin said that playing soccer in AYSO creates strong friendships.

"AYSO is an awesome organization. I started playing over 30 years ago in AYSO. It's not just about playing soccer because you make friends and it's a family. I'm friends with kids that I played with over 30 years ago. My kids have also made friends with kids they've played with in AYSO. My oldest son is in high school now and he's friends with a lot of the kids he meets on the soccer field. Part of the reason he doesn't play club soccer is because he doesn't want to leave his friends in AYSO. It's more than just a soccer community, we're family," Franklin said. "AYSO is an all volunteer organization that brings ownership to the program. I think that any organized sport gives a youth player a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, and makes them feel as though they are a part of today's world."

Between the AYSO Region 71 spring league and fall season, there are more than 1,500 kids participating in Woodland Hills. The Jamboree Program for 4-year-old children continues this year along with a return of the Very Important Players (VIP) League.

The VIP Program provides a soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. Region 71 VIP coordinator Jill Joncich has nine VIP players this season.

"I hope for another season where we continue to grow and continue to expose community members to what we're trying to do. We've got several new players on our team this year and a few more wheelchair users, which is encouraging to see that they still enjoy the sport, enjoy getting out there on the field and there are no limitations," Joncich explained. "The whole buddy system returns again and our new parents are excited that their kids are playing in a sport like their siblings. I'm looking forward to another fun year!"

There will also be a VIP Tournament in North Hills in November, which is an incredible event that the Region 71 VIP League participated in last year.

For coaches of many years, such as Mark Tracht, who also serves as the regional coach administrator and referee, the start of the soccer season is a welcome time of year.

"I love working with the kids and working with the adults. I've made a lot of friends over the last 12 years," Tracht said. "AYSO is great. You're out on the soccer field with the kids. No cell phones, no computers. It's just great helping the kids and playing the game!"

For more information on AYSO Woodland Hills Region 71, visit

www.region71.org.

For more information on the national organization, visit www.soccer.org.

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