Joe Karbus

In 1970, an unusual question was posed:  “Why can’t girls play in AYSO?” The wrong answer - “not now” - to a father of five, including three daughters, began a tenacious regime to prove this was the right time and the American Youth Soccer Organization was the right place for girl’s soccer to blossom.  Armed with the support of parents, visionary Karbus organized the first AYSO girl’s soccer division in Granada Hills, CA, and he officially introduced the female component to AYSO in 1971, when the membership adopted the program organization-wide. Joe took on the position of Director of Publicity for the national program and made many presentations to regions about girls’ participation.  Interregional games were scheduled to grow the concept. Karbus truly expanded the meaning of “Everyone Plays” and AYSO currently is 45% female!

Joe was a devoted father to his five children, throwing himself into all of the activities of the relatively new youth sports organization, AYSO. He had a passion for the sport as a coach, referee and administrator and the determination to include females because it was the right thing to do. As Ron Ricklefs, Past AYSO National President writes, “Would soccer for girls have had such a solid startup and continued success as it did without Mr. Karbus?  Probably so, somewhere along the years. But as one looks at the success of the game for women in the U.S., were it not for his foresight and hard work, would we still be talking about it rather than doing it?”  AYSO honors Joe Karbus for his role as the “father” of girl’s soccer in AYSO.