CORE
Our CORE program is the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields.  AYSO is best known for its CORE program – it’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime.  AYSO promotes  Six Philosophies that are the foundation of CORE and all other programs: "Everyone Plays", Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development. These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

Here in AYSO," Everyone Plays" means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kid plays at least half of every game. Learn more about AYSO’s Six Philosophies here.

Also, teams are put together in a way that makes playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. It’s not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score; it’s about sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible team mate and opponent. Developing players is what we’re about, because soccer skills and life skills go hand in hand. AYSO’s main purpose is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play soccer.

Schoolyard Soccer (4, 5 year olds)
Soccer is for people of all ages – even the little ones!  In Schoolyard Soccer (or SYS), children get to play soccer in an age-specific program, and you, the parents, get to participate with them! 

In Schoolyard Soccer, each team is made up of three players and each player will have 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.   SYS is about exposing children to soccer, not grooming them for college scholarships. 

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 SYS games: If a child is not playing well with others, or if play must pause for injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a flock or birds fly by, parents can quickly direct attention back to the game. 

In SYS, 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 SYS, but the children still wear jerseys , cleats, and shin guards. 

EXTRA
EXTRA^TM is a program that offers organized soccer for players who want to play at a more competitive level.  Club soccer teams are in place in many parts of the country, but for those who want to play harder and still be a part of AYSO, EXTRA^T is perfect.  EXTRA^TM gives athletes whose interests and abilities lead them to a more progressive soccer experience. You can feel secure knowing your child is part of a trusted organization and will be given fair playing time. EXTRA^TM doesn’t take away from the regular program, but adds to the strength of the organization by keeping players and their families in AYSO.

Your Region determines the organization of EXTRA^TM play to suit its needs and numbers, but AYSO’s core philosophies are still in place: everyone on the team plays at least 50 percent of each game; selection to teams is based on open and fair evaluations; and the teams are chosen to create a competitive balance.  EXTRA^TM players that also participate in the primary program at the same time can participate fully with both teams as well as All Star, tournament, National Games, and travel teams.  Players playing only on an EXTRA^TM are eligible for tournament, travel or other secondary program teams.  EXTRA^TM can only be offered in areas with a regular AYSO program and is coordinated with the support of local leadership.  No paid coaches or referees are allowed.  All AYSO standards for training and certification for coaches and referees are in place.