The Santa Monica Storm won the 2022 AYSO Western States Championship this month, making them the top AYSO 11U team across six states.

Re-post from the Santa Monica Daily Press

The Storm play at the highest level of AYSO, in the EXTRA program, representing Santa Monica against top soccer teams from other geographic regions. The local team has remained undefeated the entire season, over 20 games, starting last August and finishing on March 12, when they won the AYSO Western States Championship.

The Western State Championship is the finale of the AYSO soccer season, in which over 180,000 youth soccer players compete in six different states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Teams from all six states competed in several playoff rounds to earn one of only four spots for each age division at the Western State Championship. 

At the Championships, held near Gilroy, California on March 12, the Santa Monica AYSO team won their semi-final game, and then went on to the finals to defeat their Orange County opponent, 4-2, in overtime, to earn the title of Western State Champions.

Santa Monica AYSO is the largest community youth sports organization in Santa Monica, serving 1,500 kids. It is a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers. 

This team is made up of some special Santa Monica athletes:

Mos Boatright-Simon (goalkeeper, left midfield, and left defender). Landon Broihier (right midfielder). Jonah Craig (center defensive midfielder).  Ryan Drew (right defender). Daniel Freidman (goalkeeper, defender and striker). Noah McLaurin (center defender). Alex Mehringer (center midfielder). Taylor Moore (striker, midfielder and defender). Michael Peterson (left defender). Jai Robins (center defensive midfielder). Leo Simon (left midfielder). Auden Steiger (striker). 

This team was led by two volunteer coaches, Erik Saltmarsh and Melinda Mehringer, who donated their time to teach these boys how to play like Champions.

 

Monday night training is ON as scheduled (Monday, Oct. 25)

The rain is bringing some moisture but this will not defer our brave players from having the fun time at Monday Night Open Training tonight.

It appears that rain will give up around 4 pm. With synthetic turf it is even better, cleaner to play after rain.

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Monday Night Opening Training (MOT) is back and begins on 10/04/21!
MOT brings a combination of professional soccer trainers’ sponsor by Coerver and former UCLA WomenVarsity soccer players helping to train our children in the fundamentals of soccer while they build community with players across teams. This program is OPEN TO REGISTERED REGION 20 BOYS & GIRLS with a 2017 (5U) to 2006 (16U) birth year. The program extends for 8 weeks during the core season and is included in your registration……in other words…it is FREE! Just remember to print and bring a Medical Release form for your player(s).

This year, we are organizing the players into smaller 8-week training pods/communities, so space is limited. You can register to secure your spot HERE. Once you’ve entered your inLeague credentials, the link should direct you to the event that has been setup for registration. Select “Monday Night Opening Training (MOT),” click on the player(s) name and let us know if she/he are attending. ITS THAT EASY! If the link does not direct you to the registration event, simply login to your inLeague registration account, select the “Events” tab and follow the instructions above. Walk-ons are welcome but we encourage everyone to register ahead of time to help us organize the training pods and number of training coaches. (You only need to register once)

JOIN US FOR ANOTHER AWESOME SEASON WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRAINING

WHO? All registered Region 20 players born 2017-2006

WHAT?  Free training by guest professional coaches

WHEN? STARTS THIS MONDAY NIGHT 10/04/21 – See the time schedule below based on age groups

WHERE? JOHN ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELDS (16th Street & Ocean Park Blvd.)

TIME:  PLEASE NOTE: You may come and leave at any time during your assigned time slot.

Registration 5:15-5:45

5:45PM to 6:45PM – 5U (2017), 6U (2016), 7U (2015), 8U (2014), 9U (2013), 10U (2012) girls and boys

Registration 6:30-7:00

7:00PM to 8:30PM – 11U/12U (2011)/(2010) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

7:00PM to 8:30PM – 13U/14U (2009)/(2008) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

7:00PM to 8:30PM – 16U (2007) (2006) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

Here is what you need to bring:

1. Masks are required at all times.
2. A Medical Release form for your child. (you only need to bring this the first time your child attends MOT – after that they will be able to check in on their own).
3. A soccer ball for your child, marked with his or her name on it in permanent ink.
4. Water for your child. (Water ONLY is enforced at JAMS)
5. Shin guards for your child

COACHES – We highly recommend that all coaches attend the trainings to observe.  This is your chance to observe another trainer working with your players’ age group.

PARENTS – We kindly request that you wait for your child off the field.  If you will be dropping your child off, please be on time to pick them up. 

If your child is interested in becoming a better player AND would like the opportunity to make new friends, we hope you will consider adjusting your busy schedules to allow them to attend.

 

As you may expect, our region will follow all Covid-19 guidelines set forth by Los Angeles County and we are working hard to provide your players with the best soccer experience possible. The Spring 2021 season will begin as soon as permitted by Santa Monica City and Los Angeles County.  We will keep you informed about these guidelines as we get closer to the season.  

Our season may be a little different this year, but our goals for player development and community connection are the same.

Refund Policy: 

1. If the season is canceled due to factors outside our control, registration fees will be refunded on a prorated basis depending on when the season was terminated. Should the season be canceled before it starting, registration fees will be refunded at 100%
2. If you withdraw your child from soccer for any other reason BY 1/24/21, you will receive a 90% refund of what you paid.
3. If you withdraw your child from soccer for any other reason anytime between 1/24/21 – 2/7/21, you will receive a 50% refund of what you paid.
4. No refunds can be requested after 2/7/21

Financial assistance is available

AYSO Programs have been postponed until further notice. We are actively monitoring the updates and information to determine the next course of action. Thank you for your understanding during this time and we hope you all stay safe and well. If you have any questions or concerns, please click here.

Coronavirus Update and Prevention Tips

For players OUTSIDE of region 20, register here

Region 20’s EXTRA™ Program will be back for the upcoming 2022-23 Fall and Spring Season.  Region 20’s EXTRA Program is for boys and girls in age divisions U10 and up, birth years 2013-2009.  We will be holding competitive tryouts to help us decide: 

1) Which Divisions will be eligible to form teams, 

2) The amount of field space to allocate.

Dates and times for EXTRA tryouts are as follows:

Sunday, March 6th for Boys & Girls
2012, 2013 @ 1:00-3:00
2009-2011 @ 3:30-5:00 PM 

Sunday, March 13th for Girls ONLY 
2012, 2013 @ 1:00-3:00
2009-2011 @ 3:30-5:00 PM

Sunday, March 20th for Boys ONLY
2012, 2013 @ 1:00-3:00
2009-2011 @ 3:30-5:00 PM 

Location: John Adams Middle School 2425 16th Street, 90405 (AKA: JAMS)

Birth Year	Age Division (Boys & Girls	Ball Size	Format
2009	U14	5	11v11
2010	U13	5	11v11
2011	U12	4	9v9
2012	U11	4	9v9
2013	U10	4	7v7

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The EXTRA™ Program will be back for the upcoming my2022 Fall Season.

AYSO EXTRA™ provides players a more progressive soccer experience that offers a competitive, game-circuit program in a tryout-based environment. This year the program will be open to players for the following birth years: 2009-2013, who would like a more competitive environment than the AYSO Core program. With the right balance of competition and inclusion, you can feel secure knowing your child is part of a trusted organization and will be given fair playing time.

In coordinating with other local AYSO Regions, it has been confirmed that Regions like Beverly Hills, Culver City & Pacific Palisades will participate in the EXTRA™ circuit. The Section 1 Director and Coordinator for the EXTRA™ program has confirmed that Regions like West Torrance, Palos Verdes and South Pasadena have committed to participate in the program. However, the number of teams and which age Divisions from the various Regions will be participating is to be determined and cannot be anticipated. Region 20 hopes to create a team for each age group, but this will depend on the number of players who will be available to compete at the expected level of play.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11th
@ John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Turf field:

 

 

Spring and Turkey programs are just around the corner and we will be holding evaluations again this Sunday, November 3rd, at JAMS.

Sign up here

1. Evaluations are held for U10 and U12 only.  The U14 coaches will be conducting their evaluations entirely during Core games.
2. These are evaluations, NOT tryouts.  They are not the only mode of selection for our Spring program, as our coaches evaluate all players in their Core games.  Further, they are NOT mandatory.  They are, however, very helpful for our coaches.  Evaluations give our coaches an additional chance to see your child’s skills, attitude, and commitment.  As such, they are recommended for all players in U10 and U12.  While our smaller numbers last weekend were incredibly helpful for both the coaches, who got to see players in a different way than the usual evaluations, and for the players who got an additional chance to shine, we’d love to see everyone out this weekend.
3. Your child will be evaluated in his or her Core games by our All Star and Spring coaches.  While our coaches will have the names and numbers of ALL players in the division and are welcome to talk to and select any player based on performance in the Core program, you can ensure that coaches pay attention by registering your interest for Spring.

Even if you have attended or plan to attend an evaluation session, click here to register your interest in our tournament program. You can also indicate which program, Spring, Turkey, or Both, your child is interested in.

We will be holding evaluations according to the following schedule this Sunday:

• B10 – 2 PM (check in at 1:30 PM)

• G10 – 3 PM (check in at 2:30 PM)

• B12 and G12 – 4 PM (check in at 3:15 PM)

We will open check ins a bit earlier for B12 and G12 as we expect larger numbers given the dual time slot.  Please ensure your child has water, shin guards, and a ball.

 

FOOD • GAMES • TEAM PHOTOS • TOURNAMENT

 

Refs! Earn your FREE stuff!!!

Region 20 wants to thank our hard working referees…..

It’s not going to be a World Cup Medal, but…..

Referee Recognition Program

Region 20 is grateful for all of our referees. Without volunteer referees we couldn’t provide an amazing experience for the kids at such a reasonable price point.  We appreciate the time spent taking classes, studying the Laws of the game, dealing with the occasional negative comment from the sidelines, but most of all supporting the Kids of Region 20.

The Big Producers !!!

Region 20 is grateful for the hardworking referee volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty.  We want to say “thank you” for those over-achievers that make the referee volunteer role look like the coolest job in AYSO!  

For going that extra mile–doing multiple games in a day, week in and week out, keeping the games Safe, Fair, and Fun for the Kids even when the going gets tough–Region 20 would like to say thank you by offering amazing FREE referee gear, accessories, and gifts.

Based on how many games you complete this season, you get to choose an item from the various benchmarks:

·      10 games: Referee socks, Write on cards, Fox 40 Classic whistle, Sonic Blast Cushion Mouth Grip Whistle, Score Accessory Pouch,

·      15 games: OGIO Region 20 Referee” performance t-shirt, Dolfin Whistle, Fox 40 Referee Pouch + Whistle, B+D Flex Hose Ball Pump, Agoura Gear Bag, Score Hoodie

·      20 games: Plastic Rain “Shirt” (clear), Agoura Flag Set, Yellow Referee Jersey, more ideas to come

·      25 games: USSF Folding Chair, Long Sleeved Yellow Jersey, more ideas to come

·      30 games: Fox 40 Whistle & Watch Combo Kit, OSI Flag Set, Windsor 1/4-zip Performance Top, OGIO Backpack, more ideas to come

Youth Referees–Our MVR’s (most valuable referees)

Getting out there and setting a great example for the kids, their peers, upholding the Spirit of the Game (and, oh yes, earning those community service hours)!

·      5 games: Referee socks, Write on cards, Fox Mini whistle

·      10 games: Fox 40 Classic whistle, Sonic Blast Cushion Mouth Grip Whistle, Score Accessory Pouch,

·      15 games: OGIO Region 20 Referee” performance t-shirt, Dolfin Whistle, Fox 40 Referee Pouch + Whistle, B+D Flex Hose Ball Pump, Agoura Gear Bag, Score Hoodie

First Ever “Women’s Only” Referee Class

THANKS to the women who attended the first-ever Women’s Only Referee Class: Sheila Murphy, Katy Henrikson, Charity Burton, Jessica Garcia, Monica Moore, and Sheila Taylor

Referees Taking Upgrade Courses

THANKS to the Referees that signed up for the Advanced Course: Kal Shobaki, Tim Silvestre, Andres Rangel

THANKS to the Referees that signed up for the Intermediate Course: Kapil Kulkarni, Bogdan Chifor, Chris Byrne, Andres Rodriguez, Jeffrey Reyna, Guido Faas, Doug Trussler, Perry Woo, Theodore Chandler, Hoda Khavari, Tim Langmaack

 

Referee Upgrades !!!

For upgrading from Regional to Intermediate referee (successfully completing the course, passing the test and passing your Intermediate Observation) you’ll get:

·      Personalized monogramed referee gear bag

·      Red referee jersey

·      New pair of fashionable referee socks

·      Upgraded flags or whistle

·      Write-on cards (match report, YC/RC)

For upgrading from Intermediate to Advanced referee (successfully completing the course, passing the test, fitness test, and passing your Advanced Assessments) you’ll get:

·      Referee jersey organizer

·      Green, Blue, and Black jersey

·      Another pair of socks!

·      Upgraded whistle or flags

·      Write-on cards (match report, YC/RC)

For upgrading from Advanced to National you’ll get:

·      Set of long-sleeved jerseys

·      Referee gear organizer (for your gear bag)

·      Upgraded whistle of your choice

·      An opt-out clause from Gray’s emails