AYSO Region 88 announced that a U10 girls’ team has been chosen to participate in the 2016 AYSO National Games held at the Palm Beach Polo Club, West Palm Beach, Florida July 3-10. Players for this national team were specifically selected by AYSO coaches Arturo Sotillo and Otto Polanco from Region 88 GU-10 (Girls Under-10).

“These 10 girls have played throughout the season in Region 88 (Glendale) and have achieved success in multiple areas of AYSO soccer including sportsmanship, fair play, and team work,” said Coach Sotillo. “They are excited to bring their soccer skills to the national field.”

The team won the AYSO Section I Area C competition and advanced to the section playoffs in February where they placed third in the tri-state area, which includes Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.

The AYSO Region 88 team members include Tatiana G., Kylie R., Aniela M., Angelina G., Catalina A., Kaia B., Adamari P., Georgia M., Mia P., and Emilie S.

The girls will continue to train with AYSO volunteer coaches Sotillo and Polanco during the spring AYSO Youth Development Program and are regularly joined by Galaxy team members who work with the girls during weekly practices.

“The girls will also participate in local AYSO tournaments to prepare for their time in Florida,” added Coach Polanco, whose daughter is a team member.

Team members, coaches, and parents are involved in fundraising activities throughout the area at restaurants and will have game tables at sports centers and bingo nights, and are recruiting sponsors to support the team’s expenses. To make a contribution, visit https://www.gofundme.com/2sk9mjwc.

The National Games is a festival of soccer competition. Along with the many soccer matches, players will also experience an Olympic-style opening ceremony and a one-day “soccerfest.”

“The AYSO National Games starts off a weeklong celebration that brings together AYSO players, volunteers and parents from across our country,” said AYSO Section 14 Director Richard Schwartz. “Over 4,000 players will be converging in Palm Beach County during the tournament week. The International Polo Club converts into one of the most stunning soccer facilities imaginable with 30 soccer fields side by side on pristine natural grass. We expect the National Games to be a tremendous event for thousands of AYSO soccer players from across the U.S. We know it will be an amazing experience for all.”

To learn more about the team activities and to get updates, contact Arturo Sotillo at (818) 298-4696 or email fytdpwr@yahoo.com.

Contributed by Diana McCauley