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TORRANCE, CA – February 7, 2024 – The American Youth Soccer Organization’ (AYSO) and San Diego Wave Fútbol Club of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are proud to announce a new partnership to help #GrowTheGame in San Diego through the AYSO PLAY! program.
In a co-branded effort, AYSO PLAY! will widen access to safe, quality, grassroots soccer across the San Diego area, providing resources and coaches to lead soccer programming efforts for schools, community groups and youth services, year-round.
To kick off its partnership, AYSO PLAY! will host two complimentary soccer clinics for girls in San Diego, in honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day. These clinics mark the beginning of a partnership between AYSO PLAY! and Wave FC, dedicated to maintaining youth’s familiarity with soccer and the 2023 NWSL Shield winners while actively contributing to the betterment of San Diego’s community.
The celebration of NGWSD is particularly relevant to AYSO, as the organization was the youth soccer innovator in girls’ participation. The first AYSO girls teams took the field in 1971, a full year before Title IX was passed.
“We are thrilled to kick off this exciting partnership with the San Diego Wave. The events will not only celebrate girls in sports but also foster a broader collaboration to provide more youth with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport,” stated Chris Solomons, Director of Business Development and Community Engagement at AYSO.
The clinics will include an appearance by a member of the Wave FC team. In addition, Wave FC community efforts are led by two-time Olympic medalist, US Women’s National Team ’99 FIFA World Cup champion, and former US Soccer Athlete of the Year, Shannon Mac Millan. Mac Millan currently serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement for the Wave.
Mac Millan shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to join forces with AYSO, recognizing the vital role that sports can have on shaping a child’s growth,” she said. “We’re dedicated to weaving important life skills into our soccer programs, and this partnership solidifies our commitment to this cause by providing access to the game. By working together with AYSO, we look forward to expanding our positive impact on growing the game in San Diego.”
“There are a lot of terrific youth soccer programs throughout the area, including our own AYSO Regions and our AYSO United program,” added Solomons. “Still, we know that there are many more children who could be playing if afforded the opportunity. Our aim with AYSO PLAY! is to bring the game to more kids in more communities and being able to do this in partnership with San Diego Wave is a tremendous opportunity for all.”
About AYSO PLAY!
The American Youth Soccer Organization’s AYSO) PLAY! program is committed to providing quality soccer experiences primarily for first-time players, focusing on skill development, sportsmanship, and community engagement. AYSO PLAY! strives to create a positive and inclusive environment for youth to learn and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.
For more information about the AYSO PLAY! program, please visit aysoplay.org or contact the AYSO communications team at [email protected]
AYSO Media Contact: Dan Howald | [email protected]
About San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC is a member of the National Women’s Soccer and play their home games at the all-new state-of-the-art facility of Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Led by President Jill Ellis, Head Coach Casey Stoney and General Manager Molly Downtain, the Wave are one of the top premier women’s professional sports teams in the world with stars like Alex Morgan, Abby Dahlkemper, Naomi Girma and Kailen Sheridan representing San Diego. In 2023, in the club’s second year of existence, the Wave earned the NWSL Shield, awarded to the club with the most wins in a season. For more information on the San Diego Wave FC, visit sandiegowavefc.com.
San Diego Wave FC Media Contact: Justyne Freud | [email protected]