Who will get to the ball first?
- Under 14 La Verne goal keeper makes heroic save.
Under 10 boys battle for control of the ball.
La Verne player heads the ball in midair.
Players collide on field.
Girls, playing tough, battle for possession of the ball.
Under 10 girl sends the ball down the field.
La Verne under 16 girl makes a slide for the ball
Under 16 goalkeeper is ready to block the kick in a shootout.
Over the long Memorial Day weekend, AYSO Region 112 hosted the 2010 20th Annual Great Western Shoot Out Steve Gaylor Memorial Tournament at the Bonita Sportsplex in La Verne.
Teams from throughout Southland came to compete, from head to toe.
This tournament is hosted each year in the memory of Steve Gaylor (1943 – 1991). Although Steve is no longer with us, his contributions to AYSO Region 112 still live on. The following is a short summary of Steve’s involvement with our region and his contributions to our children.
Steve’s involvement in AYSO began in 1976 when his oldest son, Phil (U12), wanted to play soccer; but there weren’t enough coaches, so Steve volunteered. He didn’t have any prior experience, but what started out as recreation for Phil and his younger brother, Rob, soon became Steve’s hobby and one of his passions.
On any given Saturday, Steve was on the fields at 7:30 to set up, then, he refereed a few games, and coached his team. Within the region, he held the positions of Field Director, Chief Coach, Chief Referee and Regional Commissioner. When Phil moved onto high school, Steve began mentoring Phil as a coach. Together, they coached Rob. When Phil moved onto college soccer and Rob to high school soccer, Steve continued his love for soccer by switching to coaching girls teams. He continued working with the girls (U16) until his death.
Steve’s dedication was seen in all aspects of the organization, from board meetings to marking the fields. His dedication was best seen and felt in the way he coached his players. He did more than teach them the fundamentals of the game of soccer; he laid a foundation of teamwork, dedication, commitment, loyalty, pride and respect, for oneself and others, that carried the numerous children he spent time with (especially his sons) well into adulthood.
Life has come full circle. Steve’s sons now carry on in his memory with their own children. They are both AYSO coaches and bring Steve’s love of the game to the children they coach.
Story filed June 9, 2010, special thanks to AYSO’s Jennifer Helm