City Gears Up for AYSO Opening Day

Nothing signals the arrival of autumn quite like the thunderous clatter of 900 pairs of soccer cleats marching to the Belmont Sports Complex during the annual pilgrimage of the AYSO faithful.

This year’s opening day ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 beginning at 9 a.m. and will feature the presentation of the teams—nearly 100 in all, quite possibly a record for the Belmont youth soccer program.

From neon green to screaming pink, jerseys in every color will light up the field to the cheers of coaches, parents, city leaders, sponsors and the AYSO board of directors. And each team’s homemade banner will be proudly displayed under the scrutiny of judges who will award prizes for the most creative in each division. In addition, various sponsors will be on hand to hand out freebie treats and other swag.

The Belmont Fire Department will take part in the festivities with a special ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the games will begin on fields throughout Belmont, including the South Field at the BSC, which will be the site of the U8 girls’ game.

Belmont-Redwood Shores AYSO regional commissioner, Greg Snow, recommends arriving early since parking is limited. For more information, go to www.ayso108.org, or call 551-8934.