Fall Soccer

Friend Requests – Fall 5U to 7U - We permit “friend requests” and try to the best of our ability to meet them, in our fall U5 to U7 program. Scores and standings are not kept in these programs, and any competitive imbalances are to be managed by the coaches by sharing players, reducing/increasing numbers on the field, etc. We understand at the younger ages, being comfortable in a team setting is just as important as competitive balance.

Player Draft – Fall 8U to 19U– In our fall program, every year since 2010, we have a player “draft” based on player ratings where the coach chooses his/her team including their assistant coach and players. We also balance first and second year players between the teams, and distribute referees across the teams. This has created tremendous balance for the teams in these divisions. Although score differentials may vary from game to game, and other factors come into play such as injuries and coaching, we have found that many teams can and do have a legitimate chance to compete for region championships every year. This is AYSO Balanced teams and more fun for all! Although we don’t use friend requests in this team formation, coaches do get to pick their teams, and the kids are at an age where they can more comfortably make new friends.

The season usually starts near the end of August and plays through the middle of November.

Team Formation Guidelines

The purpose of All-Stars is to provide players that have demonstrated superior skills, effort, attitude, team play and commitment the opportunity to continue to develop their skills in a more competitive environment against teams with similar skills. 

All-Stars is open to players in 8U, 9U, 10U, 12U and 14U who played in Region 889's Fall Season.  Players participating in our Extra Program are not eligible to participate in All-Stars.

Spring Program: 

In our spring program, which is “Area 11L” (South County) play for U8 and up, we allow coaches/teams from fall to continue to spring. However, recruiting of players from other fall teams is discouraged! To complete rosters, the spring coordinator will merge fall teams, and add players to round out rosters. Balanced Teams is accomplished through “Flighting,” meaning teams are assigned to competitive brackets of similar ability, re-flighted at midseason to correct any irregularities, and re-flighted once again for the Spring Tourney.

Also, Region 889 has the highest spring participation in Area 11L (South Orange County) every year because we try to place all kids, rather than run a “Spring Select” program that many regions do where only the stronger players are encouraged to continue on more competitive teams. Thus, we have made a decision to be inclusive of all players in our region, and although flighting is used, we do need to distribute players of varying ability to some extent in order to remain competitive, and hence why recruiting is discouraged.

2025 Spring/Fall Girls Teams:

Girls 2017 - U09 - Steven Terwiske - [email protected]
Girls 2016 - U10 - Saul Barragan - [email protected] 
Girls 2015 - U11 - NO TEAM
Girls 2014 - U12 - NO TEAM
Girls 2013 - U13 - NO TEAM
Girls 2012 - U14 - NO TEAM  
Girls 2011 - U15 - NO TEAM
Girls 2010 - U16 - NO TEAM

2025 Spring/Fall Boys Teams:

Boys 2017 - U09 - Jeff Dooley - [email protected]
Boys 2016 - U10 - Randy Gordon - [email protected]
Boys 2014 - U12 - Mark Mann - [email protected]
Boys 2013 - U13 - Korosh Daryabeygi - [email protected]
Boys 2012 - U14 - NO TEAM
Boys 2011 - U15 - NO TEAM
Boys 2010 - U16 - NO TEAM

Tryout Schedule:

No tryouts on schedule, we normally do our annual tryouts in late November and early December.

What is AYSO EXTRA?

AYSO EXTRA provides a competitive and challenging soccer experience for players with advanced skills and a strong interest in the game. It is designed as an affordable alternative to club soccer, focusing on player development for those aiming to play at higher levels, such as high school or competitive club teams.

EXTRA emphasizes individual growth and skill enhancement while maintaining AYSO’s core principles of teamwork, fair play, and enjoyment.

Tryout Process
The EXTRA program selects players from U9 to U16 through tryouts evaluating:

• Defending

• Attacking

• Speed

• Ball Control

• Game Knowledge

• Attitude

Player and parent commitment to the program is also considered in the final selection process. Please note, per AYSO EXTRA policy, players are not permitted to enroll in or participate in other club or non-AYSO soccer programs during the EXTRA Fall primary season. In the Fall season, Extra players are also prohibited from practicing with, playing for, or serving as a 'guest player' for any other soccer club until the Fall regular season concludes.

If selected, participation in the EXTRA program is a one-year commitment for both Spring and Fall seasons (e.g., Spring and Fall 2025).

Program Details

Season Length
EXTRA teams typically begin earlier than Core teams and participate in both Spring and Fall seasons.

Cost
The Spring registration for Extra is the same as the Spring Core Program. The Fall registration will include additional costs for exclusive professional team training, and postseason tournament fee. Additionally, each new player is responsible for purchasing the approved EXTRA uniform kit (customized and higher quality).

Playing Circuit
The EXTRA gaming circuit is sanctioned by Section, which includes teams from various areas, such as South Pasadena to San Clemente for older divisions. For younger divisions like U9, games are typically within South Orange County, including cities like Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, and Aliso Viejo.

Coaching Staff
Region 889 coaches are certified and trained through AYSO’s approved coaching programs. The program also includes professional trainers to enhance individual skills throughout the season.

Program Benefits

• Competitive play with advanced teams across Orange County

• Lower cost compared to club soccer

• High-quality coaching with certifications equivalent to club programs

• Continuity in coaching and team dynamics

• Access to tournaments, camps, and clinics

• Local field usage in neighborhood communities

For questions, please contact Dinny To

AYSO Region 889
EXTRA Coordinator
Email:  [email protected]

 
 
The EPIC Program provides a quality soccer experience for 4-year-old children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.  All EPIC  Players have the opportunity to play a minimum of one-half of each game. 
 
EPIC teams may include:
 
Players who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Amputees or players with conditions that impair their Mobility
Players who are Mentally or Emotionally challenged
Players with Autism
Players with Down syndrome
Players with Cerebral Palsy
 
Our EPIC Program will be held during our regular fall season.  EPIC helps more than just the players.  Buddies and other volunteers increase their appreciation and understanding of individuals with special needs. They find their lives greatly enriched by their involvement with their new VIP friends. For parents thinking they would never see their children playing a sport or making new friends, EPIC gives them joy and hope.  They are able to relax and enjoy watching their children having fun like other kids, perhaps for the first time.
 
 


We recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The EPIC program offers that acceptance and carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays to new heights, giving everyone a chance to play.

EPIC teams may include those who are: Blind or visually impaired, amputees or conditions that impair mobility, mentally or emotionally challenged, autistic, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.

GOALS

Our goals for every participating player are: have fun playing soccer, understand the fundamentals of the game, learn teamwork and fair play, increase positive self-esteem, become more physically fit, meet and be comfortable with new people.

Kids with special needs are estimated to make up approximately 10% of the school-age population. Special schools and classrooms can isolate these children so the EPIC Program has been structured to integrate our special kids into the rest of AYSO by playing with their typical peers on the field.

Coaches and Buddies are needed!  Anyone age 12 and up can be a EPIC Buddy.
 
 
What is a EPIC Buddy?  A Buddy is a helper on the field who assists the EPIC player whose mobility is impaired.
 
A buddy can encourage a player and “feed” the ball to him/her
A buddy must accompany a player in a wheelchair – can propel the player safely and watch for other player
A buddy can help to monitor players for signs of fatigue, stress, overheating or conditions that compromise their safety
A buddy can make friends with the players and gain their confidence
A buddy can help to make players independent and also become supporters and friends.
 
 
AYSO provides Community Service credits for its volunteers!
 
 
We are looking for volunteers, buddies, and coaches to help run this program.
 
 
For more information, including registration information, please contact EPIC Regional Administrator Anand Rao at [email protected].