Soccer America's CEO & Publisher, Lynn Berling-Manuel, who in 1975 became its first full-time managing editor, is leaving Soccer America to be the new Chief Marketing Officer of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

"I have been very happy at Soccer America and hadn't considered leaving," said Berling-Manuel. "But when [AYSO National Executive Director] Rick Davis spoke with me about this opportunity, it was a very exciting challenge. I thank the staff and owners of Soccer America for giving me their full support in this move.

 

"I consider AYSO one of the most under-marketed organizations in American soccer. With nearly 700,000 players, centralized marketing rights and an all-volunteer constituency, it's a wonderful opportunity to bring this positive organization to more members and sponsors."

Berling-Manuel comes to AYSO with more than 30 years of media and marketing experience, including 16 years as publisher of Soccer America Communications LLC, publishers of Soccer America Magazine, socceramerica.com, SoccerAmericaDaily, Soccer Business Insider, Youth Soccer Insider, and numerous other soccer information products.

"For 43 years, AYSO has been a leader in the youth soccer community," said Davis. "When considering candidates for the position of Chief Marketing Officer of AYSO - what better person to hire than someone who has been a part of the leading soccer publication in America [Soccer America] for so many years,"

Berling-Manuel is no stranger to AYSO, having served as keynote speaker at past National Annual General Meetings and Section Conferences.

Berling-Manuel helped guide Soccer America from its fledging beginnings in 1971 as a regional newsletter to the most respected soccer magazine in America.

She orchestrated the company's launch of SoccerAmerica.com in 1995 and Soccer America's e-letters in 2001.