Photograph by Jill Toyoshiba
Phil Koen, assistant referee, throws a flag on the field during the weekend of tournament play at Congress Springs.
AYSO names tournaments in memory of members
By Kara Chalmers
Photographs by Jill Toyoshiba
More than 800 children turned out to play soccer in the Opening Season Tournament for the American Youth Soccer Organization Sept. 9-10, at Congress Springs Park.
This past year, AYSO Saratoga Soccer lost two of its treasured members, Gerry Babb and Bill Silva, both of whom dedicated many hours to Saratoga Soccer, according to Mark Linsky, a Saratoga Soccer regional commissioner and coach.
Photograph by Jill Toyoshiba
The Stingrays take on the Lightening during a weekend of tournament play marking the opening of AYSO soccer season in Saratoga.
This year's tournament, which marked the beginning of Saratoga Soccer's fall season, was renamed in memory of Babb, a coach, referee and board member, who was also an AYSO parent. The End of the Season Division 5 Tournament has been renamed as well, in memory of Silva, who was also a coach.
Every fall, the league begins its season with an opening tournament for all under 8-year-old, under 10-year-old, and under 12-year-old teams. The tournament also includes demonstrations from coaches and players from major league soccer.
Saratogan Janelle King, 7, a member of the Shooting Stars team, waits for her turn to play.
Photograph by Jill Toyoshiba
Saratoga Soccer has 104 teams, with almost 1,200 players total.
On Sept. 9, city councilman and AYSO coach Nick Streit spoke during opening ceremonies about the renovations and improvements planned for Congress Springs Park. The new park is expected to be complete in fall 2002.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
