SPARTANBURG — The USC Upstate Athletics Department is looking forward to the upcoming 2011 soccer season. As part of our commitment to the community as well as youth soccer, the Upstate Athletic Department has teamed up with the American Youth Soccer Organization Region 722 in Boiling Springs. We would like to extend the opportunity for you to receive one free men’s and women’s soccer season pass for the 2011 season.

“We are very excited to enhance an already beneficial relationship between Upstate Athletics and AYSO Region 722,” said Mason Glick, Upstate’s Director of Marketing and Promotions. “We want to encourage young soccer players to work hard and understand what it takes to be a great soccer player. The program allows the players to join the Spartans at any home soccer matches this year and really affords them the opportunity to learn and improve on their soccer skills. We’re excited and hope AYSO Region 722 and the Boiling Springs community will enjoy being a part of Upstate Athletics through this program.”

The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is the largest single-entity youth soccer association in the U.S. with nearly 600,000 players and 225,000 volunteers. AYSO develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs in a fun, safe environment based on the Six Philosophies of Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development. For over 20 years, AYSO Region 722 continues to provide world class soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

“AYSO Region 722 is delighted to recognize the Upstate Spartans soccer programs for their commitment to serving the youth of our community and for supporting the growth of the beautiful game through our partnership,” said Cathy McCarter, Regional Commissioner of AYSO Region 722.

This season is sure to be an exciting one as the transition to NCAA Division I is complete. Men’s Head Coach Greg Hooks and Women’s Head Coach Renee Lopez have done a phenomenal job recruiting high school soccer standouts for their programs. As Coach Hooks and his Spartans move into their third season of eligibility in the Atlantic Sun Conference, they will be competing for the chance to win Upstate’s first A-Sun Championship.

“We’ve always enjoyed partnering with the local youth sports organizations in the Upstate,” said Hooks. “This is just another step in developing a collaborative network of community partners while facilitating access to our university to help increase a winning experience for youth soccer.”

Meanwhile, Coach Lopez will lead her team through another stellar schedule while competing for the squad’s first A-Sun crown. Both programs will challenge at home a slate of Atlantic Sun teams as well as each team hosting VMI and Wofford.

“I look forward to developing a partnership with the AYSO community,” said Lopez. “We appreciate all of their support for our women’s soccer program.”

To reserve your complimentary season ticket, please call the Upstate Athletics Ticket office at (864) 503-5893 and mention the Youth Soccer Promotion. Additional game day tickets are available for purchase. (Offer is only valid to those participants in grades 8 or below)

Parents of AYSO Region 722 participants will receive a group discount of $2 when accompanying their child.

Upstate and the Athletic Department take pride in giving back to the community and look forward to seeing you at County University Stadium this fall.