American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is committed to providing a player pathway that provides opportunities for players to learn and improve in a developmentally appropriate environment.

Our pathway begins with our AYSO Playground and Schoolyard Soccer programs designed to introduce families and children to physical literacy and the basics of soccer.

Our players then progress into our AYSO Core program where our tremendous volunteers create a fun, energetic playing experience that allows players to thrive in the game of soccer.

Our next progression is the Spring EXTRA program which provides a more competitive atmosphere designed for the player looking for a challenging environment in which there is a larger emphasis on Technical and Tactical Development while playing within the AYSO System.

The final phase of our youth pathway is the Alliance Program where the players are exposed to the challenges of club soccer with a higher commitment level required, greater travel times and a detailed focus on Technical and Tactical proficiency.

The objective is to create an environment where each player has the opportunity to excel and reach their potential, as well as, to have fun while doing it!

What is AYSO Playground?

AYSO Playground is a child development program. The objective of this program is to help develop, in collaboration with the parent or guardian, the child’s fundamental motor skills using soccer as a common thread.

Where will my child play?

Field space is never a concern for AYSO Playground Soccer! In fact, you really don’t need a soccer field at all. Many Regions successfully run their programs in a gym, a tennis court or multi-purpose room. The playing area is based on small “activity grids.” Just a part of a playing field is all you’ll ever need.

How long are AYSO Playground sessions and when are they held?

The sessions are typically one day a week for approximately 60 minutes (including rests and breaks). Times and dates vary year-to-year based on participant availability.

Is there competition in AYSO Playground?

There is no competition in AYSO Playground Soccer! The goal of AYSO Playground is to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians.

What is AYSO Schoolyard?

Schoolyard sessions are typically held once a week on Saturday mornings. Each session, participants are split into "teams" comprised of a small group of players and each player has a parent (or other adult) with them on the field. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and shooting the ball, but in a low-pressure setting. Toward the end of the session, players participate in friendly small sided matches (3v3/4v4) to put what they learned to work! Schoolyard is about exposing children to soccer as a game, without the pressure to win. 

How do parents participate?

Under the direction of our wonderful Schoolyard Coordinator, parents help guide players through activities, encourage participation and facilitate small sided games (3v3/4v4) toward the end of the session. While their children are playing, parent volunteers can help encourage interaction and participation, but interfere with play as little as possible. There are only a few reasons to stop play during Schoolyard games. If a child is not playing well with others, or if play must pause for injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a flock of birds fly by, parents can quickly direct attention back to the game.

Is there competition in AYSO Schoolyard?

In Schoolyard, goals are not counted to determine who wins – every player is a winner. Young players need to get a feel for the ball and the field, so even though there are adults all around and many opportunities to offer instruction, the emphasis is on fun and play. It’s a different kind of game in 5U, but the children still wear jerseys or pinnies, cleats and shin guards. Best of all, they find out that soccer is something they can do!

What is AYSO Core?

The AYSO Core Program is another name for AYSO’s Primary program, which is home to the majority of our players and spans from 6U – 19U divisions. With our Philosophies laced throughout, our Core Program is the nation’s leading grassroots soccer program. AYSO Core is the foundation for all the fun, excitement, and learning that happens on the fields! We have developed our soccer program to be age-appropriate and developmentally challenging based on our Six Philosophies, which are the essence of AYSO’s Mission and Vision and guide all that we do.

• Everyone Plays®
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development

What does “Everyone Plays®” mean?

In AYSO, Everyone Plays® means that no child spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every child plays at least half of every game.

What are “Balanced Teams”?

In AYSO, teams are balanced to make playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. This way, we teach children about good sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible teammate and opponent. By focusing on player development over winning, AYSO is truly child-first and child-focused. This approach makes AYSO one of the finest player development programs dedicated to youth athletics and creating happy, healthy kids.

Can older kids still enjoy AYSO?

The fun doesn’t have to stop when you’re young! As players get older, AYSO’s 16U-19U Program gives your teenage athletes another choice for more advanced play. The program is organized under the rules and bylaws of AYSO philosophies and policies, with a few adjustments to make it more enjoyable and accessible for teenagers.

Our 16U-19U program finishes up before high school soccer season begins to avoid conflicts with school and district athletic policies.

What is AYSO EXTRA?

EXTRA (previously referred to as "Spring Select") is a try-out based, internal gaming-circuit (AYSO only) program that offers players a higher-level opportunity to refine their skills in a more competitive playing environment. For those who want to play harder and still be a part of AYSO, EXTRA is perfect! This program gives our athletes a more progressive soccer experience. With the right balance of competition and inclusion, you can feel secure knowing your child is part of a trusted organization and will be given fair playing time. 

This program typically includes participation in the Pacific Coast Spring Soccer League (PCSSL) and teams may also choose to sign up for tournaments.

Can my AYSO EXTRA child also participate in AYSO Core?

Our EXTRA program runs in the spring, after the Fall CORE and post-season play have wrapped up. In general, players interested in joining the EXTRA program must have participated in the Fall CORE Primary program to be considered for a team. 

What is the AYSO Alliance Program?

The purpose of the AYSO ALLIANCE program is to support the AYSO player development pathway to the highest levels of play.

How are AYSO Alliance teams formed and games organized?

AYSO ALLIANCE teams consist of players who are selected through open tryouts and who want to play at a more competitive level within AYSO. AYSO ALLIANCE teams represent the National Program in their local ALLIANCE circuit as well as in external gaming circuits (club circuits, non-AYSO). This opportunity to play may require team fundraising, a higher level of player/volunteer commitment, and will likely involve team travel.

Each AYSO ALLIANCE program will operate in the best interest of the local Area and Regions with an emphasis on the player pathway and creating a positive learning environment for our players and coaches. The program will serve as an entry point for players into external competition circuits.

AYSO ALLIANCE teams are composed of players registered within AYSO, while also registered with US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer. AYSO ALLIANCE teams, coaches and players have all the advantages of being part of AYSO and playing in external gaming circuits.

Can my AYSO Alliance child also participate in AYSO Core?

Alliance players that also participate in the primary program at the same time can participate fully with both teams during the season. They cannot participate in National Games or national tournaments.