GCYSO History

In the fall of 1972, a small group of soccer enthusiasts in Pascagoula, Ms., go together and started a youth soccer program.  The group consisted of three coaches, Tom McCleery, Stan Smith and Augie Ortega and one referee, Clay Parnell.

The programs go off to a slow start with only three player registrations during the first signup period.  After three weeks of constant effort, a total of 27 players between the ages of 9 and 11 were registered.  A decision was made to divide theses players into 3 teams and the league was started.  After a two-week practice time, the first game was played.  During these two weeks, the lure of soccer was spread by the players and all three teams filled their rosters to a 15 man squad.  After three games, there were sufficient recruits to form a fourth team.  The season was completed with a total of 64 players.

In the fall of 1973, the Gulf Coast Youth Soccer Organization was officially formed.  The organization was incorporated in the State of Mississippi and proceeded to start the second season.

During its second year, the league mushroomed to 15 teams from three cities along the Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Gautier and Ocean Springs.  The age limit was expanded to include 12 and 13 year old.  The 1974 season added Vancleave and Grand Bay, Ala., to the roster of participating towns with 26 boys and 4 girls' teams.  In 1975 the total teams blossomed to 54 with the teams coming from the same towns as the previous season.  The league presently is in its 5th year of operation.  This season GCYSO has a total of 69 teams from five cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  The age limits for boys are 8 thru 15 and girls from 9 thru 14.  The 69 teams are split into 54 boys and 15 girls.

GCYSO was formed and adheres to similar policies as AYSO, namely Everyone Plays and the Player Comes First.  All coaches, referees and league officials are volunteers.

GCYSO does not have a definitive plan for expansion.  However, as the soccer bug travels, the league will welcome new teams and give support where necessary to help new areas get a soccer program started.

The Singing River Soccer Club (SRSC) was formed in Spring 1979, the First President was Fred Robertson.