The Story of Chuck Schussman and Region 71

Chuck’s AYSO career began just like it has with many parents, with the introduction of soccer to his seven-year-old son in 1968.  Chuck quickly became involved, setting up and lining the fields of Region 8 in Granada Hills and then entering the referee program to officiate at the games.  Two years later, he helped Colin Montgomery begin Region 29 at Winnetka Park, establishing the Region as one of the first to include girls’ teams.  By 1973, Region 29 was already bursting at the seams, and so plans were laid to launch an AYSO region in Canoga Park/Woodland Hills with Chuck as its leader. 

The fall of 1974 saw the beginning of the fledgling Region 71, known as a district for the first year under Region 29 until it proved itself to be workable. Chuck became the new Commissioner: he lined the fields, set up the nets, answered the phone, recruited the coaches, did his own stint as a coach and assistant coach several times when no one else would, scheduled the games, and refereed. 

His wife, Jane, ran the snack table and wrote the weekly newsletter, the Touchline.  With all three of their sons playing and both parents deeply involved, the family lived, breathed, and ate soccer.  Under Chuck’s leadership, Region 71 quickly became known as a place where all kids had a happy and healthy experience playing soccer in an atmosphere of friendliness and fairness.

Region 71’s annual Schussman Shootout and Schussman Sportsmanship Award continue to bear his name in recognition of his commitment to fair play and over 40 years as an AYSO volunteer.