Registration Age Breakdown

AYSO will be changing from a school year registration to a birth year registration in order to align with other youth soccer providers’ interpretation of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.

The effective date of age determination for registration shall be the player’s age as of December 31 looking ahead of the Membership Year. Example: For MY2022 the division the child will be placed in will be determined based on their age on December 31, 2023.

Participants who shall turn four years of age between January 1 and December 31 are eligible for AYSO Playground Soccer.

To help in determining the proper age and division for players, the following chart is provided and guidelines and rules are as follows from U.S. Soccer. For more information about this change click here to be redirected to the U.S. Soccer website.

What is AYSO Schoolyard Jamboree?

In Jamboree, each team is comprised of three players and each player has a parent (or other adult) with them on the field. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throwing in the ball, but in a low-pressure setting. Jamboree is about exposing children to soccer as a game, without the pressure to win. 

How do parents participate?

Parents help take turns organizing the teams, setting up fields and supervising the program. While their children are playing, parent volunteers keep time, but interfere with play as little as possible. There are only a few reasons to stop play in Jamboree 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 Jamboree?

In Jamboree, 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?

Our Grassroots program 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(R)
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development

What does “Everyone Plays®” mean?

In AYSO, Everyone Plays(R) 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. Coed teams are allowed and more flexible guidelines for player substitution as well as travel team options. 16U-19U teams can also play against local high schools, participate in select teams, and enjoy more competition.

What is AYSO EXTRA?

For those who want to play harder and still be a part of AYSO, EXTRA is perfect! This program gives AYSO 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.

How are AYSO EXTRA games organized?

Your Region determines the organization of EXTRA play to suit its needs and numbers, but AYSO’s core philosophies are still in place: everyone on the team plays at least 50 percent of each game; selection to teams is based on open and fair evaluations, and the teams are chosen to create a competitive balance.

Can my AYSO EXTRA child also participate in AYSO Core?

EXTRA players that also participate in the primary program at the same time can participate fully with both teams as well as All Star, tournaments, National Open Cup, National Games, and travel teams. Players playing only on an EXTRA team are eligible for tournament, travel or other secondary program teams.

Where can I find an AYSO EXTRA program?

EXTRA can only be offered in areas with a regular AYSO program and is coordinated with the support of local leadership. No paid coaches or referees are allowed. All AYSO standards for training and certification for coaches and referees are in place. Click here to find an AYSO EXTRA program near you!

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. It is an integral part of the AYSO Club program potential progression to AYSO United.

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 inter-state tournaments. This opportunity to play may require team fundraising, 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. 

Where can I find an AYSO Alliance program?

The AYSO Alliance program is offered in areas with a regular AYSO program and coordinated with the support of local leadership. All AYSO standards for training and certification for coaches and referees are in place. Check with your local Region to see if there is an Alliance program in your community.

What is AYSO United?

AYSO United is proud to be the Official Club Program of American Youth Soccer Organization. Our United program is designed to complete the AYSO Player Development Pathway, allowing players to complete their youth soccer journey under AYSO’s Six Philosophies. Building upon the foundation of the tremendous history and tradition, our AYSO United players will experience a positive, developmentally-appropriate environment, where they will not only develop in practice but during the game, where they are guaranteed 50% play.

Who is on the AYSO United staff?

Our National Technical Team includes USSF, A & B, & UEFA Pro licensed staff. AYSO United supports our local coaches in their development, which in turn impacts the many players that wear the AYSO United badge. Our clubs are built on the hard work of the local staff, the skill of the coaches, the desire of the players, and the support from our families.

What stage of the Player Pathway is AYSO United?

The final phase of the AYSO Player Pathway is the AYSO United Club program. In AYSO United, our top players are exposed to the challenges and competition of club soccer. In this environment, the players work with high-level coaches and play in USYS (U.S. Club) leagues and compete against other youth club organizations. The AYSO United program builds on the foundations of all our AYSO Programs, ensuring that the players selected are in the appropriate environment to enhance their skill level and competence in the game of soccer.