Here are some ways you can make the AYSO experience more rewarding for players (and for you!):

Did you know? In a postseason survey of volunteers, more than 90% of parents said that participating in AYSO along with their child made their family's experience more rewarding!

Coaching

Coaches are needed across all programs. All training material is provided, along with support from the Regional Coach Administrator and the MOJO mobile app throughout the season. 

The time commitment is:
Preseason online training (all levels): Approximately four hours
6U: One hour per week (35 minutes of practice, 25 minute game)
8U: Two hours per week (One hour practice, one hour game)
10U: Two hours per week (One hour practice, one hour game)
12U: Four hours per week (2.5 hours of practice, 1.5 hour game)
14U: Five hours per week (3 hours of practice, 1.5 hour game)

Volunteer registration takes place online through our website. Volunteers can create an account and signup through the website or signup through their child's profile.

Refereeing

Certified referees are used for all games at the 10U and higher age groups. All training material is provided, along with support from the Regional Referee Administrator throughout the season. AYSO is the easiest possible introduction to officiating available in youth sports!

Kids as young as 10 can volunteer for referee training, and mentoring is provided throughout the season. Schedules are flexible and vary with the number of teams and games at the Kroc Center.

Contact the Regional Referee Administrator, Jon Shaner, at 616.588.7200, ext. 2008 or [email protected].

Regional Board

AYSO considers our region an "Affiliate Region," meaning there is a special agreement in place with The Salvation Army to have Kroc Center staff provide support. However, the expectation of the national office is that parent volunteers gradually take over all of the region's operations.

Serving as a board member does not require any specific experience or expertise, just a desire to provide the best possible experience for players and families in our region. Contact us if you are interested!

Do you have a desire to help in a way that is not listed here?  Contact us, we'd love to hear from you!

Being An AYSO Volunteer

What are volunteers?

People who give freely of their time and talent to a worthwhile group or cause. A volunteer is someone who believes that people make a difference and is willing to prove it.

What is an AYSO volunteer?

A coach, a referee, a registrar, a fundraiser, a field marker, a publicist, a treasurer - many people, all contributing their time and efforts to make AYSO a great program for our soccer-playing kids.

Why does AYSO need volunteers?

AYSO needs volunteers because people power runs AYSO. Volunteers strengthen AYSO by giving their time and energy, their ideas and ideals. Volunteers make AYSO happen.

Who can be an AYSO volunteer?

Almost anyone can volunteer. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents, even friends. We need women and men, young, middle-aged and "young at heart" folks. AYSO wants volunteers who want to help make our soccer program a fun experience for kids. 

Everyone plays in AYSO, and everyone has something special to contribute to the program.

• They contribute a special skill or ability.
• They contribute their time.
• They contribute their energy.
• They contribute themselves.

What do AYSO volunteers do?

• They do what is needed to make the program work.
• They coach teams and stuff envelopes.
• They referee games and write checks.
• They line the field and work in the snack bar.
• They put up goals and take down nets.
• They take registrations and raise funds.
• They bandage knees and schedule games.
• They put up posters and take pictures.
• They buy equipment and go to meetings.
• They call meetings and run computer programs.
• They make decisions and make a difference.

How do AYSO volunteers help themselves?

AYSO volunteers gain satisfaction and growth from their experiences. They make new friends. They learn new skills. They develop creativity. They investigate new careers. They enrich their lives.