Why Play AYSO?
AYSO is child-first and child focused. We are a soccer organization with happy, healthy kids as our passion.
Every decision, every rule and every program has "what's good for kids" as its basis. Every girl and boy stepping on a soccer field for the first time can have fun. AYSO's child-first approach also makes it one of the finest player development programs. Everybody likes to win, but developing successful players and people is what's fundamental in AYSO.
You can set a soccer ball down on any corner in the world and have friends. It is a global sport that Americans have embraced in record numbers... because it's fun even with a beginner's skill. It's also a game you can play and enjoy for the rest of your life (U-5 soccer is one of the fastest growing levels in the U.S.!)
With children's natural joy in running and kicking, soccer builds on these two skills and adds in techniques to control the ball and work as a team. It also encourages creative decision making and strategic thinking. And it's a fast game that keeps each player moving the entire time. In AYSO there's no spending the game on the bench!
AYSO has age appropriate small-sided games. A full size soccer team has 11 players on the field. But smaller-sided teams for younger children allow more touches on the ball and a more successful soccer learning environment.
AYSO small-sided games emulate classic "street soccer" where children of many skill levels choose up teams and play together for a fun neighborhood game. This is a similar environment to where many of the greatest soccer players in the world developed their skills. Small-sided games continue as excellent development.
All AYSO624 decisions are guided by our 6 Core AYSO Philosophies:
Everyone Plays®
Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 75% of every game. It’s no fun to spend the game on the bench…and that’s no way to learn soccer!
Balanced Teams
Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.
Open Registration
Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut.
Positive Coaching
Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl.
Good Sportsmanship
We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.
Player Development
We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.