HUNTINGTON -- US Youth Soccer is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the United States, according to the Web site www.usyouthsoccer.org.

It is a nationwide body of more than 600,000 volunteers and administrators, and more than 300,000 mostly volunteer coaches.

US Youth Soccer has more than 3 million registered players age 5 to 19. The organization has 55 member state associations, one in each state and two each in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

The membership is divided into four regions, each with a director elected to the board. The regions are essentially East (Region I), Midwest (Region II), South (Region III) and West (Region IV). Each state association has a board of directors elected by delegates from their member leagues, clubs or teams.

US Youth Soccer is a non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through soccer at all levels of age and competition. The goal is also to make it fun and instill in young players a lifelong passion for the sport.

The programs emphasize fun, and de-emphasize winning at all costs. Every child is guaranteed playing time and the game is taught in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

For players with advanced skills and greater ambition, highly competitive leagues are offered.

From its beginning in 1974 with just more than 100,000 registered players to its current registration of more than 3 million, US Youth Soccer is recognized as a leader in youth sports organizations.

Through a democratic structure, the membership of US Youth Soccer is able to provide uniform rules and guidelines. These guidelines facilitate intra-state, inter-state and international play.

US Youth Soccer is a member of a much larger soccer community, and therefore its players are members of this world community. Boys and girls register to play with one of the 6,000-plus clubs or leagues formed by their state association. Each of the 55 state associations are members of US Youth Soccer and US Soccer (there are two other divisions, US AMATEUR SOCCER for adults, and the professional division).

US Soccer, along with more than 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913.

Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of America.

Information from www.usyouthsoccer.org.

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