Enjoying a Saturday of blue skies and mild temperatures, children from across East County competed in soccer games throughout the La Mesa-Spring Valley region.
La Mesa AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization), an all volunteer soccer association, has over 70 teams participating in the Fall 2012 season, which has now reached its halfway point. The players are both boys and girls and range in age from four to fourteen, with additional older youth teams hosted by the local Area 11v AYSO, including several regions beyond La Mesa.
Director of Referee Instruction John McMack, a longtime veteran of AYSO soccer, said that his favorite group is the four and five year olds because; “You see the true spirit and fun of youth soccer in those games.” La Mesa AYSO Commissioner Craig Angarola stated; “We have a great group of teams this fall and we’re all out there every Saturday having a good time.”
In keeping with the spirit of gradual skill building in a moderately competitive environment, teams with players through age seven do not keep team win/loss standings. Teams of players age eight and above do track standings with medals awarded to the top teams in each group. Additionally, the first place team in each group will advance to the Area 11v Tournament of Champions (TOC) held in December. Commissioner Angarola was pleased to announce that La Mesa AYSO will be hosting the boys and girls Under 12 (U12) TOC games at La Mesa Middle School.
