Miller Donnelly, then 9, delivers his message about how parents can ruin sports for kids if they are too wrapped up in winning and losing. The Donnellys didn't expect the video to attract a large audience -- it was shot in their basement with Miller wearing his pajamas.

When he was just 9, Miller, who lives in a small town in Ontario, Canada, wrote a clever three-minute speech about overwrought sports parents and how their behavior squeezes the fun out of youth hockey.

First, he presented it to his school class. Then his uncle wanted to listen, so Miller's dad made a video and posted it on YouTube. One of Canada's top amateur hockey associations picked it up and posted the video to the club Web site. Then, last January, Miller really went big-time: One of Canada's most-watched TV news shows devoted an entire story to the speech.

Now, Miller is becoming the pint-sized oracle of responsible sports parenting. The speech – "The Magic Hockey Helmet" – has been shown at arenas before hockey games. More than 200 sports organizations have linked to it on their Web sites. And the video has been watched on YouTube more than 286,000 times.

Miller's message to parents is simple: Stop yelling. You're ruining sports for kids.

"I think a lot of kids feel the way I do," Miller, now 12 and a star defenseman on the Rayside Balfour Tigers, tells ParentDish in a phone interview. "They're kind of scared to admit it because they don't know how their parents might react."

The Games will be held at the world-class International Polo Club Palm Beach. Among the most exciting element for the teams will be playing on the lush, open grounds of the International Polo fields, particularly for fans of equestrian sports.

In order to play on a team attending the AYSO National Games 2010, players need to be registered and play in their Region's primary program in the 2009-2010 membership year. Participating Regions were selected in May ’09 via a lottery system during the National Annual General Meeting.

To understand the AYSO National Games Lottery Draw and the subsequent Region invitations, is to understand the purpose of the AYSO National Games. The AYSO National Games is not a national championship. It is also not just a tournament. The AYSO National Games is a cultural exchange designed to bring together all Sections and as many Regions as possible for a celebration of all that is AYSO. The week-long event focuses on sportsmanship, team spirit, making new friends, lots of soccer and having fun through all of its activities. 

Region 31 was selected to send a team in the U10 Boys division.  Coaches Dave Tong and Adelfo Emanuele have been preparing their team - DB United - for this tremendous event since mid-December.  Though the team will participate in the National Games as Diamond Bar AYSO and Area 1B’s representative, all teams are required to fund their trip to the Games.

The players received recognition and commendation from the Diamond Bar City Council at the recent May 18th Council Meeting .  The Boys will be taking “friendship” gifts from both the City of Diamond Bar as well as Region 31 to trade with the players & teams that they will meet from all over the Country.

Registration is Now Open!

AYSO Soccer Camps is coming to Diamond Bar and online registration is

now open.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

-or-

Call (888) 857-6222 and register over the phone

For more information about AYSO Soccer Camps, visit www.aysosoccercamps.org

07/26/2010------07/30/2010

Paul C Grow Park, 23281 E. Forest Canyon Dr, DB

Full-Day Camp

9am-3pm, Ages 8-16yrs, Ball included           $155.00

Half-Day Camp

 9am-12pm, Ages 4-16yrs                               $102.00

The Fall season in Diamond Bar will get underway very soon.  If you missed the opportunity to register your player(s) during any one of the four Open Registration nights there may still be space available.

We have limited openings in select age groups for both boys & girls.  Parents interested in registering their player should contact Registrar Debby Ferguson for more information and to schedule a Registration appointment.  All late registrations are handled “By Appointment Only.”

Registrations for the Fall 2010 season must be done in person.  Children ages 4-18 are eligible (based upon openings in appropriate divisions) to participate.  The cost for Registration is $95 per player and must be paid at time of registration in cash or check only; no credit or debit cards are accepted.

Registration includes a 10-week season; all fields & equipment; a three-piece uniform; commemorative lapel pin; full-color commemorative yearbook; and insurance.  Players must provide their own shin guards, cleats and soccer ball.

Fall practices can begin as early as August 1st and the season officially kicks-off on Saturday, September 11th.  League matches continue every Saturday through November 20th.  Coaches are expected to contact their teams between August 1-15th.

For more information and a listing of upcoming Regional activities bookmark the Regional Calendar and check frequently.

The 2010 AYSO AYSO RoadShow is open for registration and the Region would like to offer all volunteers the opportunity to attend and participate in this unique training and motivational experience.

AYSO RoadShows are the ultimate gathering for AYSO volunteers.  It's your chance to learn how to make your volunteer job better, easier and more enjoyable, with series of workshops and certification courses offered in one great location.

This summer the Section 1 AYSO RoadShow will be held at Dana Middle School in Hawthorne.  The RoadShow is held Friday, July 23rd through Sunday July 25th.

For those that have never been to an AYSO RoadShow or Section Conference, this is a one-stop-shopping for all your AYSO interests.  Informative and creative workshops for all levels of coaching, refereeing, management, general information and eAYSO will be offered throughout each 1:15 hour session.

As an active AYSO volunteer for 2009-10, Region 31 will cover the AYSO RoadShow registration fee which includes light meals and all course materials.

If you think you may be interested in attending the Section 1 AYSO RoadShow,  please review the attached Course Listing.  Click to download the Course explanations/descriptions.

If you are interested in attending, the Region must pre-register and pay for all attendees by July 20, 2010.  The Region is grateful for the strength of it's volunteers and is happy to offer everyone this tremendous opportunity.  Due to the unique nature of prepayment cancellation clauses, any cancellations must be received by July 20, 2010.  Cancellations received after 7/20/10 would not receive a refund from the NSTC and therefore all registration fees would be the responsibility of the individual volunteer.

Section 1 Roadshow
Dana Middle School
13500 Aviation Blvd, Hawthorne
July 23-25, 2010

Register Me!
Course Listing