LAHAINA – Despite being recognized as the world’s most popular sport, futbol – more widely known as soccer – faces a critical juncture here on the West Side, as the West Maui AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) struggles with the strict regulations and guidelines in their noble effort to keep keiki on the field.

The situation is further enflamed by intense interest in the World Cup competition that is currently heading into the final rounds of play in Russia.

This is compounded by the lack of participation at the AYSO level by the growing Latino population here due to the background check requirement for coaches and officials of all AYSO programs.

For the past 20 years, Annie and James Hayes have guided the West Maui AYSO program for countless children. But time marches on, and James, as well as longtime Assistant Commissioner Sky Delaney, have stepped down. Several key administrators have also retired.

“Our AYSO program has now hit a critical point; we are in dire straits! We need to fill board and coaching positions, and will not function through another season if they continue to sit vacant,” said Annie.

AYSO’s vision is: “To provide world-class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.”

As a national nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization standing strong for 54 years, AYSO is highly recognized as a leader in youth sports.

“Children in our program are not just learning to play soccer – they are learning valuable life skills like sportsmanship, commitment, dedication, being a team player, a good neighbor and citizen,” Annie added.

“We are still registering players for our 2018 fall season; however, space is limited for boys. We need U8, U10 and U12 coaches.

“We will be taking registration forms only at the Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Make an account, register and pay for your player at westmauiayso.com, then bring us your printed and signed forms,” she said.

For further information, call (808) 669-6883.

“We want to thank Maui County Parks Department for their continued support, as well as Jim Falk Motors of Maui, Chevy Youth Sports, and current West Maui AYSO Board Members Katya Newton, Anastasia Colt, Ashlan Austin, Amy McGill, Justin Bell and Nathan Mau. Our special thanks goes out to retiring Board Members Anthony Griffith, James Hayes, Sky Delaney and Holly Pendergast. We appreciate you and are so grateful for your many years of dedicated service,” Commissioner Hayes concluded.