Region 69 of the American Youth Soccer Organization was named one of five finalists for the 2004 Region of the Year award in recognition of the outstanding program it provides the communities of Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Brentwood. Under the leadership of Commissioner Debbie Held, Region 69 has earned Platinum status for eight consecutive years’an honor granted to only 92 out of 1,000 regions nationwide this May. Prior to 1997, Region 69 consistently achieved Gold status, the highest available at the time. Held and her husband, Dick, were also recognized for their 25 years of service at the National Annual General Meeting in Hawaii over Memorial Day weekend. Regions are annually evaluated against national standards in 80 categories that include coaching, officiating, administration, finance and community relations. A region from Skokie, Illinois, was named Region of the Year. ‘Region 69’s achievement is a tribute to the Regional Board and all of the volunteers that make this program work, as well as the support of local schools and parks, whose fields are used for games and practices,’ said Held, now in her 10th year as Commissioner. ‘Our volunteers include over 300 referees, 160 coaches, 160 assistant coaches, sponsors, office assistants, team parents, field set-up and take down crews, picture day managers, and parking managers. The Regional Board is to be especially commended for its countless hours and continued dedication throughout the year, not just during the fall season. We also appreciate and rely on the continued support from other community members.’ AYSO National President Peter MacPhail congratulated Region 69, stating that the Regional Assessment Award is presented ‘in recognition and appreciation of your active support toward AYSO philosophies and policies. We proclaim with pride your commitment and dedication to the youth of your community.’ AYSO Region 69 has been providing a youth soccer program for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18 in the Palisades, Brentwood, Topanga, and adjacent neighborhoods for the last 30 years. Last season, 1,900 players were placed on 160 teams. Registration for the 2005 season took place in May. However, there are about 200 players who have pre-registered online, but have not completed the registration process by sending in their paperwork and fees. Any families interested in having their children participate can pre-register for the wait list at www.ayso69.org. Forms and fees should be mailed in as soon as possible. Players who will be 6 years old need to be evaluated. Every effort will be made to accommodate players on the wait list. However, there must be a coach and two referees for every 10 players in order to form a team. Children of parents who volunteer as coaches and referees will be given priority should it be necessary to limit enrollment. A cancelled check indicates that a child has been removed from the wait list and placed on a team.
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