Famous AYSO Soccer Players on SoccerNationNews Soccer News

While many people only think of competitive youth soccer programs, AYSO offers a soccer option for the more relaxed, non-competitive player who loves soccer, or simply wants to learn the game. In our fast paced, often competitive world, we often discount AYSO and we fail to realize that many famous and well respected soccer players began their start in soccer in AYSO.

For example, Landon Donovan is probably one of the most well known players who began his soccer career at AYSO. Landon Donovan says “The beauty of AYSO was that you had kids from all walks of life who just wanted to be active and run around and play soccer. I started playing club soccer at the age of 10 but I wanted to continue playing AYSO because I enjoyed the camaraderie and the ability to just play for the love of playing. The games were still competitive but they never revolved around winning.”

As you know, Donovan played at the 20102 World Cup on the U.S. Men’s National team and is a LA Galaxy forward.

Another world class soccer player, Jonathan Bornstein also began at AYSO. Jonathan Bornstein says “I remember playing in a Turkey tournament one year and after a hard played final game, we won the championships. And I still think about that moment all the time!” Bornstein was also on the U.S. Men’s National team and is a Chivas USA defender.

Former AYSO players also include Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber and Brad Guzan. Guzan says “I always remember having such a great time running around and learning the sport. Some of the great memories were the team names that we would come up with (Blue Dolphins, Sharks) and also always getting a snack after the games. Sometimes I think us kids were more worried about what kind of snack was for after the game instead of the game. But, like I said, the main thing for me was having a great time and falling in love with the sport that I still play today.”

Brad Guzan is another member of the U.S. Men’s National team and is the Aston Villa Goalkeeper. If you go on to think of other World Cups – some of the U.S. biggest names came from AYSO such as Eric Wynalda and Rick Davis. AYSO is - obviously - a great place to start playing soccer.