Rodney Steven II and Genesis Health Clubs expand again with new AYSO partnership

Even as Rodney Steven II continues his march across the Midwest with more Genesis Health Clubs — he added two more in December for a total of 57 — he’s made a deal to expand in another area as well.

Steven has partnered with the Wichita region of the American Youth Soccer Organization, which will now be known as Genesis AYSO Region 208.

“I felt like I could help them grow it,” Steven said.

All six of his children went through that program, and Steven said it was a lot busier 20 years ago. Today, he said, it’s a fourth of the size it used to be.

At one time, AYSO was the only organization offering soccer, said AYSO regional commissioner Angelina Gonzalez, but other for-profit groups sprang up through the years.

“We’ve seen them kind of come and go,” she said. “We’re still here, though.”

AYSO is a national nonprofit with various regions throughout the country and is run entirely by volunteers.

The organization has six philosophies: everyone plays, open registration, balanced teams, player development, positive coaching and good sportsmanship.

Gonzalez calls it an affordable, quality program.

“Our board believes very strongly in our values, our philosophies in . . . providing a quality program for our participants.”

Steven now has Genesis Health Clubs in every Kansas city with a population of 30,000 or more.

“A lot of these cites aren’t represented well in youth sports,” he said.

“My intention is to grow this through everywhere I have health clubs. We’re already doing a ton of youth sports.”

Steven said he’s motivated to help grow the organization because he believes in it so much. He said soccer teaches good motor skills and hand-eye coordination among other things.

“And it’s so important right now for kids just to be moving.”

Steven said kids spend too much time on video games and electronic devices.

Genesis will hire a director to oversee the organization in Wichita and grow tournaments and camps. The region also includes Maize, Goddard, Colwich, Andale and Garden Plain.

Part of the goal of the partnership is to increase AYSO’s exposure in the greater Wichita area, which Gonzalez said will help the organization grow.

“We’re just really excited to get the word out there so more people know about AYSO.”