Local AYSO region seeks players for soccer season

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Miguel Hernandez tries to bend it like Beckham on a corner kick during the Pima Soccer League in 2018. The local AYSO region is making a call for players and coaches to have its season.

By Heidi Estrada/Local AYSO Registrar and Assistant Regional Commissioner

SAFFORD – We at the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Gila Valley Soccer Region 216 are doing everything we can to make this year’s soccer season happen. To do this, we need a few things from you.

No. 1 – Sign up your kids on the wait-list at www.ayso216.org. We are currently way below are normal numbers. To proceed, we either have to get more players or consider making the teams coed and/or playing short-sided games.

No. 2 – Register as a volunteer also at www.ayso216.org; we can’t have a season if we don’t have enough coaches and team parents.

No. 3 – Be prepared to follow the CDC and Arizona Guidelines for Organized Youth Athletics. Some of these include:
– Ensuring your child does not show up for practices/games if their temperature is above 100.4 or otherwise sick.
– Maintain social distancing where possible.
– Use of masks; players on the field are not required to wear them unless they want to.
– Each team and their fans will be on one side of the field; the opposing team and their fans will be on the other side.

At this point, we are not under any state restrictions that would prevent us from having the season, but we want to do so in a manner that provides fun for our children as safely as possible. Let’s work together to make that happen.

For more information email Heidi Estrada at soccermom216@yahoo.com.