AYSO Becomes Official Grassroots Partner of MLS
May 14, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Tuesday, May 14, 2002) - Major League Soccer (MLS) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) have announced a strategic partnership combining the efforts of both organizations designed to reach out and inspire millions of soccer participants nationwide.
With this affiliation, AYSO becomes an "Official Youth Soccer Partner" of MLS. Through the partnership, both organizations agree to explore joint opportunities to further promote youth soccer in the United States. Opportunities for collaborative program development include coach and player clinics, game events, and holiday specials. Major League Soccer will also work closely with AYSO to provide exclusive benefits to their members and families.
"Developing associations with organizations such as AYSO are instrumental to making a personal connection with the entire American soccer community," said Mark Noonan, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Fan Development for Major League Soccer. "By combining our resources and marketing efforts aimed at those who currently have a passion for soccer, we increase our presence nationally and ultimately build relationships with future fans and stars of Major League Soccer."
The official partnership will grant MLS various opportunities through AYSO including use of the AYSO logos, website content and links, direct marketing opportunities to AYSO members, along with booth space and signage at AYSO Sectional meetings and National events.
"The relationship between the two organizations is critical toward building role models in this sport," said Cathy Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer for AYSO. "Both MLS and AYSO will be able to drive youth soccer participation through this union, creating a cycle of youth involvement and fan development for years to come. "
Additionally, AYSO receives a variety of promotional and marketing rights from MLS, including use of MLS and team identities, tickets, player appearances, advertising in MLS publications, website links and select signage at MLS games.
About Major League Soccer Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features many top stars from the United States and around the world. The ten teams that comprise MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Dallas Burn, D.C. United, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, MetroStars, New England Revolution and the San Jose Earthquakes. Major League Soccer's seventh season kicked off March 23 and continues with this weekend's Soccer Saturday matchup between the Colorado Rapids and Dallas Burn live on ESPN2 at 4:00 p.m. ET. For the latest headlines and official information on MLS, log onto www.MLSnet.com.
About American Youth Soccer Organization
AYSO is a nationwide non-profit organization that develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs in a fun, family environment where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO is continually working to improve the education of its volunteers in the fields of child development, human behavior, and sports psychology. A strong emphasis is placed on ethics and sportsmanship and the development of the whole child. For the latest information on AYSO please visit www.soccer.org.
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