MADISON – Soccer team members in AYSO United Alabama are preparing schedules for open training tryouts for various ages and weight rankings.

“AYSO has been successfully providing a top-flight recreational soccer program in Madison, Huntsville, Athens, Hartselle, Arab, Fayetteville, Cullman, Harvest and Monrovia,” Joe Mullins said. Mullins serves as Club Administrator for AYSO United Alabama.

For these teams, more than 4,500 players and 500 volunteer parents are active each year. “AYSO has been the City of Madison’s official soccer program since 1975 and offers our volunteer staff the latest in coach and referee certifications,” Mullins said.

Open training tryouts for AYSO United for boys and girls born in 2003 through 2007 will be held on May 13-16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Organizers will announce the location soon; visit aysounitedalabama.org for updates.

For boys and girls born in 2008 through 2011, tryouts are scheduled for May 20-23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Palmer Park, Fields 5 and 6.

In 2017, AYSO United Alabama was formed in Madison, AL to complete the player pathway — AYSO Core for recreation play to AYSO United for club play, all the way to Division 1. Michael Parker, Director of Coaching, is committed “to ensuring that players experience top-notch coaching,” Mullins said.

AYSO United in Alabama boasts 12 U.S. Soccer D-Licensed coaches, he said.

Since January 2015, Gene Scherer has served as Regional Commissioner for AYSO Madison. “Coach Gene, along with a fantastic board of volunteers, has enhanced Madison’s soccer program by establishing a world-class coach training program and bringing in some talented International coaches from Challenger Sports,” Mullins said.

These coaches travelled from across Europe and Brazil to train, teach and mentor Madison coaches while working with players and parents. They get involved in the community by teaching soccer in local elementary schools.

AYSO Madison has been awarded Platinum status year after year.

Mullins’ honors include “ASA Club Administrator of the Year 2017” and U.S. Soccer “C” License candidate.

“Joining an AYSO rec program guarantees … your child (can) play in a fun, fair, safe environment that is competitive as they progress along the Player Pathway,” Mullins said.

For information about the recreation program, visit ayso498.org. For information about the club program, visit aysounitedalabama.org.