The Austin Youth Soccer Association is a local league covering the Austin, Texas, area.
About Austin Youth Soccer Association
The Austin Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) was established in 1980 and has since become a prominent youth soccer organization in Central Texas. AYSA strives to offer opportunities for young players to develop their skills and compete in various levels of soccer, from recreational to competitive play. The association is affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and adheres to its guidelines and policies.
Competitions
AYSA is divided into several districts within the greater Austin area, with each district hosting its own clubs and teams. Players can participate in leagues and tournaments within their respective districts, ensuring competitive and enjoyable play.
In addition to league play, AYSA organizes several tournaments throughout the year, including the Austin Youth Soccer Cup, which attracts teams from across the state. The association also collaborates with other soccer organizations to provide additional tournament opportunities for players.
Player Development
AYSA places a strong emphasis on player development, offering various programs and resources to support players and coaches. These include coaching education courses, player development camps, and college recruiting services.
The association has a comprehensive player development pathway that caters to players of all ages and skill levels. These programs focus on developing technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
Education
AYSA is committed to providing resources and support for coaches, including coaching education courses, mentorship programs, and access to the latest coaching materials and resources.
The association prioritizes safety and implements various safety protocols to ensure the well-being of players, coaches, and referees. This includes background checks for coaches and volunteers, concussion education and management protocols, and other safety measures.
AYSA promotes sportsmanship and fair play, establishing a code of conduct for all players, coaches, and spectators. The association encourages respectful behavior on and off the field and has a zero-tolerance policy for abusive or disrespectful behavior.
Notable Clubs
Here are just a few of the many notable clubs that are part of AYSA:
- Lonestar Soccer Club – Lonestar Soccer Club is one of the largest and most successful youth soccer clubs in Central Texas. The club has produced numerous top-level players and has won multiple state and national titles.
- Austin FC Academy – The academy is the youth development program of the Austin FC professional soccer team. It is one of the top youth soccer programs in Texas and has produced several players who have gone on to play professionally.
- Sting Austin Soccer Club – Sting Austin Soccer Club is a well-established youth soccer club with a strong reputation for player development. The club has produced several college and professional players.
- Waterloo Soccer Club – Waterloo Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in the Austin area, known for its emphasis on player development and producing top-level players.
Notable Players
Here are a few notable players who came up through AYSA:
- Kekuta Manneh – Manneh is a professional soccer player who has played for various Major League Soccer teams. He began his youth career playing for the Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, which is part of AYSA.
- Khiry Shelton – Shelton is a professional soccer player who currently plays for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer. He began his youth career playing for the Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, which is part of AYSA.
- Dillon Powers – Powers is a professional soccer player who has played for various Major League Soccer teams. He began his youth career playing for the Andromeda Soccer Club (now Sting Austin Soccer Club) in Austin, which is part of AYSA.
- Katy Byrne – Byrne is a professional soccer player who currently plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League. She began her youth career playing for the Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, which is part of AYSA.
