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

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 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?

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!

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 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.