The AYSO CORE 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: 1) Everyone Plays; 2) Balanced Teams; 3) Open Registration; 4) Positive Coaching; 5) Good Sportsmanship; 6) Player Development. With PLAYER DEVELOPMENT in mind, here are some additional programs to consider:
All-Star/ Select Program
Our primary tournament team is the All-Star Team, which is finalized at the conclusion of the Fall season. Only players that participate in our Fall Season are eligible. Players selected to the All-Star team will play in the Area 1P All-Star Tournament on over TWO weekends in late January. Winners advance to Section playoffs (w/ winners of that advancing to the Western States Championship) in the following months. The All-Star team may also participate in in AYSO tournaments hosted by regions around SoCal & beyond (usually 2 day weekend tournaments with multiple games open to All-Star, Select & EXTRA teams) & continue through Winter/ Spring (although not all teams will choose to play beyond February/ March). A Select Team may also form...usually made of players not on the All-Star team...and those teams may participate in all of the same tournaments (except, of course, the All-Star tournaments).
The player selection process usually is determined by coach/ Board nomination process and some form of a tryout. It's possible the tryout process may begin mid-season as long as it doesn't interfere with the regular season. The first possible tournaments of the season are the "Turkey Tournaments" on Thanksgiving Weekend (Friday-Saturday or Sunday). Please advise that tournament teams must have a minimum number of referees (usually at least 3) in order to be approved by the Region Board. Important to note that being a referee volunteer is one of the many factors in the player selection process. Tournament team formation depends on volunteer support requiring coaches, team administrators & referees. Coaches interested in becoming a tournament team coach may apply during the season.
EXTRA Program
The EXTRA program gives AYSO athletes a more progressive soccer experience. Player selection is tryout-based with evaluations usually taking place in Spring...teams start practice usually sometime in August. EXTRA teams are grouped in single year divisions & play a more competitive Fall Season against other EXTRA teams from other Areas/Regions and continues through Winter & Spring with select AYSO tournaments. While EXTRA is similar to competitive "club soccer" with a more intensive training schedule & player commitment, it is set apart with a far more affordable fee structure & it still abides by all of AYSO's core philosophies (including a guaranteed 50% minimum playing time per game).
In addition to player commitment. the EXTRA program has a volunteer requirement for all parents in support of both the team & the Region's "CORE" program (regular season team competition). While some of the team practices will include some professional training, the teams are led by volunteer Team Coaches. All teams are required to have a minimum number of Referee volunteers as well.
AYSO UNITED
AYSO United is proud to be the Official Club Program of American Youth Soccer Organization. Player selection is tryout-based with evaluations usually taking place in Winter/ Spring. 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.