For the first time ever, the San Jose Earthquakes and Menlo Park AYSO have teamed up as partners in the Earthquakes unique Student of the Game program. Menlo Park AYSO (Region 109) joined as a Quakes partner on April 15.
AYSO's Region 109 covers all of the area of Menlo Park and Atherton. Region 109 is open to all boys and girls from four and a half to 18 years old and is a member of AYSO Region Area 2A. The Menlo Park AYSO is now the second member of Region Area 2A to join the Quakes Student of the Game program, joining the Sunnyvale AYSO.
"We are excited about participating in the Earthquakes' Student of the Game program, as it will add a valuable new dimension to the AYSO experience for the soccer families of Menlo Park and Atherton," AYSO Regional Publicity Coordinator Joanne Goldberg said. "Our coaches are looking forward to the special clinics, especially the behind-the-scenes opportunity, and our Region 109 Earthquakes Day will be a fantastic kickoff to our season as well as an inspiration to our players. I'm a huge supporter of the team and am thrilled to have the chance to share the fun and passion with a whole new set of fans."
AYSO Area 2A consists of seven regions and covers the Northern Silicon Valley Peninsula. For more information about the Menlo Park AYSO, visit the website at: http://mpsoccer.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, an Alexi Lalas appearance 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, discounts on Quakes tickets as well as other fundraising and sponsorship options.
