1. AYSO Player Pathway & Age Determination
2. Schoolyard: Ages 4-5
3. Core (Primary Program): Ages 6-15

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is committed to providing a player pathway which places each player in a developmentally appropriate environment.

Our pathway begins with our AYSO Playground Soccer program designed to introduce families and children to the physical literacy requirement to play 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 “EXTRA” which is a tryout-based program designed for the player looking for a challenging environment in which there is a great emphasis on Technical and Tactical Development while playing within the AYSO System.

The final phase of our youth pathway invites all players to tryout for the United Club Program (Year-Round) 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.

Our objective is to create an environment where each player has the opportunity to excel and reach their potential no matter if their goal is to play at the highest level, college, high-school or just to have fun!

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, 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, shoes/cleats and shin guards. Best of all, they find out that soccer is something they can do!

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.

• 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.