AYSO Area 2J joined the San Jose Earthquakes Student of the Game program to become the first entire AYSO Area to unite in the partnership. Area 2J includes Region 27 Saratoga, Region 35 Cupertino, Region 64 West San Jose, Region 256 Prunedale and Region 1076 Watsonville. Boys and girls aged four and a half to 18 years old are able to play in each of these soccer leagues.
"For the fist time in our history we have an entire AYSO Area involved in our SOG program," commented former Earthquakes President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "Area 2J has made an incredible commitment to the Earthquakes and the 2J players will reap the benefits of this progressive thinking."
To honor them for joining the Student of the Game program, the Earthquakes will host an opening day for AYSO Area 2J on Saturday, August 27 when the Quakes take on the Los Angeles Galaxy at 1:00 p.m. PT. Over 2,000 youth soccer players and their families from Area 2J are expected to attend this event at Spartan Stadium.
"Area 2J is very excited to start our 2005 fall soccer season with the San Jose Earthquakes and the Student of The Game program," Art Zimmermann, Regional Commissioner, AYSO 64 said. "This event has helped AYSO promote soccer and generate a unique opportunity for the kids in our community to participate directly with the San Jose Earthquakes organization. We are looking forward to a great season kick-off."
AYSO Area 2J consists of five regions and stretches from the South Bay to north of Monterey. For more information about the Area, visit the website at: http://www.ayso2j.org.
AYSO was formed in Los Angeles in 1964 to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs and to promote a fun, family environment based on the philosophies that everyone plays, teams are balanced, open registration, positive coaching and good sportsmanship.
The Earthquakes Student of the Game program was established in 2002 to provide Bay Area youth soccer leagues with an education-based curriculum that will further enhance youth players, coaches and parents' soccer knowledge and appreciation for the game. The Earthquakes program motivates and educates by providing partner leagues with exclusive access to the Quakes coaches and players through coaching clinics and appearances, among other benefits.
In addition to a league night and pre-game "Parade of Champions", Student of the Game partner leagues are also able to take advantage of programs such as a special behind the scenes coaching clinic with Quakes and other MLS coaches at an Earthquakes home game in addition to on-site coaches clinics, player appearances and an exclusive advanced level coaching event for their clubs. Partner leagues receive a newsletter with training tips for players, the ability to purchase uniforms and equipment at reduced rates, and discounts on Quakes tickets as well as other fundraising and sponsorship options.
