AYSO Carson City Youth Soccer opens fall 2020 registration for kids of all ages

The AYSO Carson City Youth Soccer Region 140 organization is bringing excitement back to the state capitol.

Registration for the upcoming fall season is open for kids ages 3-18. Early bird registration ends July 15 and can be made online or in-person at Yogurt Beach, located at 3228 N. Carson St. in Carson City. In-person registration will be held Wednesday, July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registrations made for the spring season can be transferred to the fall, as well. Contact AYSO Carson City at treasurerayso140@gmail.com to request a transfer and receive a $10 discount.

After the spring season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AYSO Carson City Regional Commissioner Jon Hager has high hopes for the future.

“We love bringing soccer to kids in Northern Nevada,” he said. “We’re excited about what the future holds and we’re putting everything together for the fall season.”

Founded in 1964, the American Youth Soccer Organization is a non-profit organization that strives upon delivering a great soccer learning experience for boys and girls. That same goal applies to the AYSO Carson City Region 140, where kids can learn as players while growing their skills on the field.

“We try to make this a smooth transition for everyone involved,” Hager said. “Helping kids learn the game of soccer can be difficult, but we make it a fun and worthwhile experience. It’s not always about winning or losing, it’s about the memories and friendships created.”

Growing up in the Southern California area, soccer was a major component in Hager’s life. He played soccer up until his college days and grew used to the competitive nature of youth sports.

Luckily for Hager, the positive examples set by his former coaches helped him realize there’s more to sports than the outcome of a game. Now, he teaches those same lessons for AYSO Carson City Youth Soccer. Each participant is guaranteed a chance to play regardless of the score, which creates a positive environment for all to enjoy.

“Youth sports can be really competitive. I know from experience,” he said. “We want to make sure it’s fun and we learn things along the way. Everyone plays, and we make sure everyone gets in the game. We don’t want anyone sitting on the bench, because that’s not what it’s about. Every kid deserves a chance to play.”

As the world regains a sense of normalcy during COVID-19, AYSO Carson City will follow the health and safety guidelines set by the state of Nevada. Hager said that social distancing measures, mandatory facemasks and hand sanitizing stations will potentially be put in place if it aligns with state guidelines.

Teams may have to decrease teams and roster sizes in order for a season to be held, but Hager is confident that won’t affect the outcome of the fall season.

“Navigating through this pandemic has been a challenge,” he said. “We have to do what’s best for the safety of the kids and others. But I’m positive that teams and rosters shouldn’t be affected if everything continues to trend in the right direction.”

AYSO Carson City is in need for volunteers for the upcoming season. Parents and participants are encouraged to become a coach, referee and other administrative positions. Training will be available for those interested in joining the program, click here for more information.

The number of teams will be based upon the number of players and coaches available, so volunteers are crucial for a successful AYSO Carson City season. Hager said it has an impact on a kid’s life choices.

“It’s extremely important that every team needs a volunteer,” he said. “We need help at every level, so it’s crucial for us to reach out to anyone interested in helping out. It’s good for those parents to associate fun times with soccer, and it can play a big role in a kid’s life.”

The AYSO Carson City Youth Soccer Program is gearing up for the upcoming fall season. For more information, visit the link here and follow their Facebook page for updated events.