West Side Soccer League

The West Side Soccer League (WSSL) is a youth soccer program located in New York City.  WSSL started in New York as the 611th region of AYSO.  WSSL hosts well over 5,000 youth soccer games annually for over 4,000 children and their 7,500 or so volunteer parents.  WSSL adheres to AYSO’s core philosophy and five guiding principles. 

History
The West Side Soccer League was founded in 1987 by a group of parents including Neville Colman, who went on to serve as Regional Commissioner for the next 11 years.  After Colman's death in 2003, the league, along with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and Riverside Park Fund, named a newly renovated field after him. 

West Side Soccer League and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a nationwide non-profit organization made up of hundreds of regions that develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs. 

Programs
A successful pilot in the Spring 2006 season led to a shift to small(er) sided games in every division with a more specific emphasis on developing skills.  Further, a free, enhanced weekly soccer skills session for all kids in U8 and above takes place on Tuesdays during Spring and Fall seasons.  In addition, they have partnered with the New York Red Bulls to create a travel program for children U8 through high school. 

Silent Weekends
A program was instituted in 2002 requiring spectators and parents to remain silent on the sidelines. 

External links
West Side Soccer League website

References

Category:Children's sport
Category:Soccer in New York (state)
Category:Youth soccer in the United States
Category:Soccer leagues in the United States