Successful Shootout allows AYSO to cut registration costs

Children interested in playing AYSO soccer in Carson City will be able to do so this year at the lowest ever registration cost, said Molly Walt.

Participants this year will pay $25 compared to the $75 registration fee last year, said Walt, regional commissioner for the American Youth Soccer Organization, Region No. 140.

“AYSO is a quality recreational soccer program,” Walt said. “We want to continue to make it affordable.”

The discount was made possible, she said, through the program’s annual fundraiser tournament, the Comstock Shootout.

In addition to bringing in $2 million in economic impact, Walt said, the fundraiser allows the program to make improvements to the Pete Livermore Sports Complex off of Edmonds.

“Our funding is going back into the soccer community,” she said.

The program also donated soccer goals to schools in the Carson City School District last year.

“An active child is a happy child,” Walt said. “We just want our community to be active, and we want them to enjoy the game of soccer.”

Walk-up registration will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11; 6-8 p.m. April 28; 6-8 p.m. April 30; 6-8 p.m. May 7; and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 16 in the Digitorium of the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.

The registration fee covers a Memory Mate photograph, uniforms, soccer ball and insurance.

Walt said the program encourages fair play.

“Everyone plays,” she said. “You know your child won’t be sitting on the sidelines. They will be out playing the game.”

She said there is also an emphasis on creating balanced teams.

“It allows every player to gain the experience of playing with different skill levels,” Walt said. “It makes it fun and a better learning experience.”

AYSO is a volunteer-run organization. All volunteers undergo a background check and Safe Haven Certification. AYSO also provides training for coaches and referees, Walt said.

Region No. 140 relies on a dedicated group of volunteers to plan and run the Comstock Shootout tournament as well.

“If we had to pay people to work the Comstock Shootout, it wouldn’t be a successful fundraiser,” she said. “What makes it successful is the volunteers. It’s a team effort.”

The Comstock Shootout will be April 18-19 for boys teams and April 25-26 for girls teams.

For more information, go to AYSOCarsonCity.org. To register online, go to eAYSO.org, Fall Registration will open April 10.