LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS: AGES 3-19

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.

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.

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.

The sessions should be no more than 60 minutes at a time (including rests and breaks). Time and dates vary by Region, contact yours to find out more!

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.

SCHOOLYARD: AGES 4-5

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. 

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.

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!

AYSO CORE - PRIMARY PROGRAM: AGES 6-19

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.