AYSO - Options for All Ages and Skill Levels

Kids come in many different sizes and levels of ability, and AYSO has created a wide range of programs to meet different needs and interests. Since AYSO is much more about learning and having fun instead of just winning, we apply our basic tenets and philosophies to the structure of these programs and how we accommodate the children. Visit Player Objectives for specific skills taught at various ages.

Recreational Play

The majority of players sign up for recreational play. Registration is open to all players (with no "try-outs" or "cuts"), balanced teams are formed based on player ratings by coaches from previous seasons, and all players will play at least three quarters of every game they attend (an Aliso Viejo rule). This is the standard AYSO SAFE | FUN | FAIR league.

Boys and Girls divisions each offer play for U5, U6, U7, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 age groups (assuming that enough players sign up in a given group to form teams).In the Fall season, the U5 through U12 teams play other Aliso Viejo teams within the Region, with division champions going on to Area tournaments. U14, U16 and U19 teams typically play teams from other Regions in the Area (meaning that there is travel outside of San Clemente).The Spring season has fewer players involved and therefore fewer teams. Typically, the U6 teams play wihtin the Region while the teams U8 and above playing at the Area level.

Where Soccer Starts - U5 and the U5 Jamboree

For the youngest players whose idea of a good time is running around and kicking a ball, AYSO offers the U5 Jamboree Program. Kids who are 4 years old as of 31 July can be enrolled in the program. The format is very simple, designed for the abilities and attention spans of 4 year olds. Parents of the players are actively involved so everyone feels comfortable.

Click the U5 Jamboree link on the left menu for all the details.

EXTRA Play

The EXTRA Program was developed for U9 through U14 players with advanced soccer skills. This AYSO program recognizes the need to challenge the more competitive player. Players are required to try-out, be selected by the coaches and approved by the EXTRA Program committee.Players participating in this program will compete against other EXTRA teams from different Regions and local Areas. While most EXTRA games will be played within Area L (South Orange County), some games will be played outside Area L (requiring some additional travel time). There will be both Saturday and Sunday games with the season lasting from September to December. Many teams will continue in the Spring season as an EXTRA team, and may participate in tournaments if they wish.

Viist the EXTRA PROGRAM PAGE for all the details and try-out schedules.

VIP Program

The AYSO VIP Program is a unique soccer program for children with special needs and provides a safe, secure and highly support forum for the enjotment of soccer. AYSO Region 889 is very proud that Fall 2011 will be it's first year offereing a VIP program. Click here for details.

Pacific Soccer Club (A Division of AYSO)

In 2000, AYSO National approved the formation of the Pacific Soccer Club (PSC). The purpose of this program is to establish a highly competitive program within AYSO increasing the retention of AYSO players by offering a "club" program for those players desiring to play at a higher level. Additionally, the "club" program would provide an opportunity to former AYSO members, now participating on "club" teams outside of AYSO, to return to the organization. PSC is a member of the Coast Soccer League (CSL) as well as the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) – South, the governing body of CSL, giving PSC full league status. PSC is a separately formed and registered non-profit corporation. While this is a "club" organization, each and every coach, trainer and administrator is responsible for adhering to the basic principles of the AYSO philosophy.