Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Serving the Ventura community for over 50 years!

The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States and a nonprofit.

Beginning with only nine teams and a small group of devoted soccer enthusiasts, AYSO was established in 1964 out of a garage in Torrance, California. The goal was, and still is, to ensure that kids have the opportunity to be introduced to the beautiful game of soccer. Nearly 60 years later, AYSO has thriving programs for kids and adults in nearly 900 communities all over the country as well as internationally in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. With more than 50,000 teams, 650,000 players, and over eight million AYSO alumni, we are a name that’s synonymous with excellence and recognized nationwide.

AYSO Region 39 - Ventura, California
Established in 1973

In early 1973 a spark was created by Joe Campisi, who had an interest in starting a youth soccer program in the Ventura and surrounding communities. Gathering the support of John Cole, John and Gwen Crisp of Ventura, and Gene Randall and Frank Christy from Camarillo it was decided to attempt to sign-up enough boys in three age divisions to play soccer with teams in Camarillo as part of what was to become Region 39.

Ventura AYSO Region 39 kicked off its inaugural season under the leadership of George Berg as Charter Regional Commissioner; with 150 players, 38 teams, two of which were girls teams. John Cole was treasurer. Early Ventura coaches, most of whom also doubled as referees included John Cole, John Crisp, Al Freeman, Art Lesberg, Ben Rivera, Hal Abbott, Steve Arnold, Billy Magee, Bob Berryman to name a few.

In it's second year, Region 39 boasted 73 teams, eleven of which were girls teams and Charlene Ismay became the first Ventura girls soccer coach. John Crisp was Ventura District Director and Al Freeman was Head Referee. Gene Randall and Harry Bamberger were District Directors for Camarillo and Ojai respectively.

50 Years Later...
Today, Ventura AYSO Region 39 continues to thrive with over 2,000 players, more than 200 teams and 700 registered volunteers; making us the largest youth sports organization in Ventura.

American Youth Soccer Organization

AYSO Vision Statement
To provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

AYSO Mission Statement
American Youth Soccer Organization’s mission is to develop quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on the following AYSO philosophies:

Everyone Plays - Our Region's goal is for kids to play soccer - so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least three-quarters of every game. AYSO National mandates only half of every game.

Balanced Teams - Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible - because it's both fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

Positive Coaching - Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

Open Registration - Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Good Sportsmanship - We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

Player Development - We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

Region 39 Links/Information

Region Board Members

Regional Policies & Protocols

AYSO Job Descriptions

Region 39 Check Request Form

MY2025 Budget

Monthly Board Reports

Programs

Core Program
Traditional Teams for ages 5 to 18 year old.
Teams are formed according to the AYSO philosophies.
Region 39 offers the following divisions for girls and boys:
6U, 7U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U.
The"U"stands for under. So you can read the division as age under "X"
For example: 12U division will have players who are 10 and 11 years old, there are no 12 year olds in the division.
10U would have 8 and 9 year olds.

More information can be found here: AYSO Age Chart

5U
The objective is to provide young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer with simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment. Find out more here.

Playground:
This is an activity program that helps improve physical motor skills, providing a foundation for an active lifestyle.
Find out more here.

VIP (Very Important Player) Program
The primary objective of this recreational program is to enable players to learn the game of soccer in a fun and stimulating environment. The focus is on developing their skills to help them be the best soccer players they can be while maintaining a healthy approach to competitive soccer. Find out more here.