In 1969 a group of soccer enthusiasts, including Walter Schmetzer, Rick Crudo, and Robin Chalmers, decided to teach the world's most popular sport to kids throughout the Seattle area. Their efforts led to the beginning of the Seattle Youth Soccer Association. Today over 11,000 young people play soccer in our association. Our 13 member clubs cover every neighborhood in Seattle and Shoreline. We offer appropriate levels of play in recreational and competitive programs for young people from age 5 to 18. Each year we help young people develop physical skills and abilities, become team players, and practice good sportsmanship. Some well-known names associated with Seattle Youth Soccer include players include the former U.S. Women's Team star Michelle Akers, MLS and Seattle Sounders players Ian Russell and Jason Farrell, and former University of Washington and United States National Team coach Mike Ryan.