The Los Alamos Youth Soccer League (LAYSL) is a non-profit organization which operates under international, national, state and local rules, bylaws and guidelines. We are affiliated with the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). Our local bylaws were originally prepared in 1982. In addition, we have guidelines for both the recreational and advanced programs as well as local amended rules for Under-8 play. The primary purpose of LAYSL is to provide a high-quality, safe and fun opportunity for the youth of Los Alamos to play soccer, and to develop individual skills, team skills, and sportsmanship. Our current registration totals are just under 1,000 players per season, making LAYSL one of the largest youth sports organizations in Los Alamos county.
Recreational teams comprise the majority of the LAYSL program, accounting for approximately 80% of our registrants and providing the soccer experience for a minimum investment of time and money. The recreational program is made up of teams in 2-year age groups. Their annual schedule is divided into two "half-seasons," with local games on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Primary registration takes place in June-July for a late-August league startup. The league attempts to roster recreational teams of approximately equal strength, and does NOT publish scores or standings for the recreational program. A six-week fall game schedule is followed by a winter break. Although most teams stay together throughout the year, to fill in vacancies and to accommodate those who played in the public schools in the fall, supplemental registrations are solicited in January-February before the spring half of the season (another six weeks), which generally starts in late March and ends in early May.
The advanced program embarks on more serious play, which requires increased skill levels, commitment and support (both of time and money) from players, parents, and coaches. Advanced teams generally play in Albuquerque's Duke City Soccer League (DCSL) on the weekends. All advanced teams are formed from publicly announced field tryouts, usually in May-June. These teams are of single-year age groups and generally play from August through June -- with matches in the DCSL as well as in tournaments throughout New Mexico (and sometimes beyond) and in the New Mexico State Cup. The number of advanced teams can increase in the spring to accommodate high school players in their off-season.
The League is an all-volunteer organization, from our Board of Directors to our coaches and assistants, referees, linespersons, team parents, age group coordinators, and fields assistants. The League may also hire part-time Registrar(s) and a Director of Coaching, who are contractors. The Board of Directors generally meets monthly.
LAYSL was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit organization status by the Internal Revenue Service in June 2003. The associated documentation must be made available to the public by IRS regulations. That requirement may be satisfied via this web site: exemption application, exemption letter, and 2003 Form 990-EZ. Additional documents for the following years are also available for public inspection; contact the LAYSL treasurer.
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