WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
For nearly five decades, the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization (MAYSO) has been more than just a soccer program—it’s been a community where kids thrive. Founded in 1976, MAYSO serves boys and girls across Manatee County, prioritizing fun, teamwork, and character development. Whether through recreational leagues or competitive teams, the organization believes every child deserves a chance to play the world’s favorite sport. MAYSO works closely with parents, coaches, and players and emphasizes sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect. Its goal is clear: to shape the future by helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Maybe your kids dream of becoming the next Lionel Messi—or maybe they just want to stay active and have fun. Either way, MAYSO has something for everyone.
The People
An organization is only as good as its leaders—and Vice President Kevin Cassidy’s lifelong love for soccer certainly drives MAYSO’s success. Kevin coached his first team at The Center of Anna Maria Island when he was just 12. Two years later, Kevin played in MAYSO’s first season, which marked the start of a long-standing connection to the club. Later, he coached for Manatee Magic—MAYSO’s competitive league—before switching to the recreational league when his own children joined as players.
“I found that I enjoyed working with kids,” Kevin says, “and it eventually led me to pursue a teaching career.” Last year, Kevin retired after teaching in Manatee County for thirty years—which means that now, MAYSO benefits even more from Kevin’s time and dedication.
Today, Kevin wears many hats at MAYSO, from registrar and referee assignor to field scheduler and even concession stand chef on game days. His efforts come not just from his love of the game but from his desire to give back to the next generation.
“Even with our competitive teams, we don’t want kids to forget why they started playing: because they love the game,” Kevin says.
Another key figure at MAYSO is the Director of Coaching, Rui Fernandes. Known for his infectious energy and enthusiasm, Rui has built strong connections with players and families alike.
“Rui is not just an excellent coach,” Kevin says. “He pushes kids to be their best while showing them he genuinely cares—and he remembers all their names. That’s why everyone loves him.”
Like the games themselves, running the club is a team effort. Kevin and Rui work alongside other board members, including club president Jerry Knab, trainer Brett McIntosh, treasurer and coach Neil Fellowes, and secretary Grace Hager.
The Programs
MAYSO offers both recreational and competitive leagues, making the sport accessible to players of all skill levels. The recreational program focuses on fun, teamwork, and building friendships, with most games played in-house at GT Bray. While MAYSO doesn’t officially track wins or losses, the players, parents, and coaches certainly do! The recreational season runs from late August to mid-December, resuming in January through May.
For more serious players, the competitive league, Manatee Magic, provides higher-level training and statewide tournaments, often on weekends. The competitive season starts in August and lasts until March, depending on the teams’ performance in state competitions.
One parent, Kurt Maynard, praised the club’s atmosphere. His nine-year-old recently joined the competitive league after playing recreational soccer for years. “Even the competitive league feels less competitive than others—and that’s a good thing,” Kurt says. “They focus on skill development and understanding the sport, not just winning.”
Daniela Benitez moved into the area four years ago, and her family got involved with MAYSO right away. “The club provided a sense of stability for us when we needed it most, being new to the area,” Daniela says. “We’ve seen the same faces each week while also getting to meet new people. It’s a great little community.”
More Than Soccer
Whether kids play in the recreational or competitive leagues, the actual game is only one aspect of the experience.
Beyond teaching soccer skills, MAYSO conveys the spirit of the game and supports youth development in all areas, including social and emotional skills. The club fosters a positive environment where kids can make friends, build confidence, and learn responsibility. Coaches teach the importance of respect—both for their teammates and opponents.
“The values I teach my athletes are the same I instill in my own children,” Kevin says. “‘ Treat everyone the way you want to be treated’ is key. I’ve benched my best player before for being overly critical of their less skilled teammates.”
Without placing an unhealthy focus on winning, the club also highlights the value of hard work. “I’ve seen firsthand how hard work can pay off, even when things don’t always go as planned,” Kevin says. “Persistence is key—those who stay dedicated and keep putting in the effort often find that success follows in its own time.”
Local Impact—and Beyond
One of MAYSO’s defining features is its commitment to fostering a sense of community. The organization encourages parent involvement, whether it’s through rec-league coaching or helping with game-day operations. Tina and Nate Neri, for example, are two dedicated parents who give a lot of time to the club; Tina manages the concession stand, and Nate coaches his son’s Manatee Magic U14 team. For an added bit of fun, parents join in the parent photo contests, which are posted on MAYSO’s website. Local businesses sponsor teams (and get shout-outs on social media). And this sense of community can last for years.
“We’ve seen kids grow up in the club, become referees, and then come back and coach their own kids,” Kevin says.
MAYSO helps people feel part of something bigger than themselves. The club has expanded its community impact beyond Manatee County by supporting another soccer club in Eleuthera, Bahamas, for the past few years. During his visits to the area, board member Brett McIntosh got to know the Bahamian club and saw its players’ need for equipment.
Recently, MAYSO organized a new or used equipment drive, encouraging members to donate cleats, shin guards, cones, pinnies, and soccer balls for this sister club. Through these endeavors, MAYSO is putting into action its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of young athletes.
Worth the Effort
As Manatee County has grown, so has MAYSO. When Kevin first joined the board, the club had fewer than 100 players. Today, it serves over 340 recreational and 100 competitive players—and it’s still considered a small club! Despite its growth, MAYSO maintains its close-knit, family-like environment.
However, with growth comes challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is finding enough volunteers, particularly coaches. “We couldn’t run the club without our parent volunteers,” Kevin says. “Their time and effort make this program possible.”
Those parents know the time and effort is worth it. Beyond exercise and a way to learn new skills, youth soccer teaches kids essential life lessons. When they can prioritize fun over winning and learn teamwork and respect, they’re set for life.
Get Involved
Registration for the spring recreational season is open until January 20, 2025. Whether your child is a first-time player or a seasoned athlete, there’s a spot for them on the field. And if you’re at the games anyway, why not volunteer as a parent coach?
- Visit www.mayso.org for more information on how to register, volunteer, or support this incredible organization.
