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Getting Started in Soccer
By Julia Cantone // usolympicteam.com // April 15, 2004
Getting Started in Soccer
The best way to get started in soccer is with one of U.S. Soccer’s affiliated leagues. For children under 10, many programs encourage fun, fitness, and equality -- all players, regardless of ability, are involved in games. The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) offers both recreational and competitive leagues for youths between the ages of five and 19.
For more advanced players, the USYSA offers select leagues from the local to national levels. Contact your USYSA state association for more information. For players over 19 years of age, the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) offers local clubs affiliated with leagues. Contact your USASA state association for more information. The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) also offers junior teams. Find your local AYSA program on their Web site for more information.
Joining the U.S. Soccer Federation
The U.S. Soccer Federation does not have individual members. If you compete on a team in a USSF sanctioned league, such as USYS or USASA, then you are a part of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Becoming a U.S. Olympian
The U.S. must secure a spot for the Olympic Games by qualifying at a designated tournament. The team that competes at these tournaments is the U.S. National team, which U.S. Soccer selects its players. This team will then try to qualify the U.S. at a designated tournament, then U.S. Soccer will select the Olympic roster based on individual status.
Contact Information
web: U.S. Soccer
email: bchenault@ussoccer.org
phone: 310.808.1300
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