Frequently Asked Questions
⚽️ What Makes AYSO So Great?
AYSO’s mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs that develop positive character through participation in a safe, fun, and family-oriented environment. We are guided by six core philosophies:
-
Everyone Plays
-
Balanced Teams
-
Open Registration
-
Positive Coaching
-
Good Sportsmanship
-
Player Development
👶 Who Can Play?
Any child ages 3–18 (as of December 31 of the fall season year) can play. Children younger than 3 must wait until they meet the minimum age requirement.
❓ Does My Child Need to Try Out?
No. AYSO has open registration—no tryouts are required for our core program.
Note: Divisions 10U and above may have an evaluation day in July to help create balanced teams.
🚫 Can My Child Play in a Lower Age Group?
No. AYSO places players based strictly on birth year, per national guidelines. This ensures fairness, safety, and insurance compliance.
📅 Season & Schedule
⏰ When Will We Be Notified About the Team?
Teams are typically formed in early August, once enough coaches have volunteered. Volunteer shortages can delay team formation.
Coaches will contact families at least one week before the first practice.
🎉 When Does the Season Start?
🕒 Practice & Game Schedule by Division
| Division | Practice | Games |
|---|
| 6U | None | Saturdays (30-min practice + game, 9am–2pm) |
| 8U | 1x/week (1 hr) | Saturdays (9am–3pm) |
| 10U | 2x/week (1 hr each) | Saturdays (9am–2pm) |
| 12U | 2x/week (1.5 hrs each) | Saturdays (9am–2pm, Pacifica & nearby) |
| 14U–19U | 2x/week (1.5 hrs each) | Saturdays (9am–2pm, Pacifica & nearby) |
Practice times and locations are determined by the coach’s availability.
If your assigned time doesn't work, we recommend carpooling. Attendance at practice is encouraged but not mandatory.
🧑🏫 Team Assignments & Requests
Can I Request a Specific Coach or Teammates?
No. To preserve the integrity of Balanced Teams, we cannot honor special requests for coaches or teammates.
💡 The only way to guarantee your child plays with their best friend is if both parents volunteer to coach together.
Can My Child Switch Teams?
Only in rare circumstances. Coaches select practice times based on their availability as volunteers. We are unable to rearrange teams for scheduling conflicts.
Players will not be penalized for missing practices.
👕 Uniform & Equipment
What Does My Child Need?
-
Shin guards (required)
-
Soccer cleats (optional, but recommended — no toe cleats/baseball shoes)
-
Soccer ball
-
Water bottle
-
AYSO uniform (provided: jersey, shorts, socks – required for games)
⚽ Ball Sizes by Division
-
Size 3: Playground – 8U
-
Size 4: 10U – 12U
-
Size 5: 14U and up
🧥 Cold Weather Gear
Any extra layers must be worn under the uniform and must not have zippers or hard plastic/metal. Try to match your team’s colors when possible.
🛑 Safety & Jewelry Rules
Why Are Shin Guards Worn Under Socks?
To prevent injuries from hard shell guards or edges. Socks must fully cover the shin guards.
Can My Child Wear Jewelry?
No. All jewelry, including earrings, must be removed for games and practices.
❗ Taping over earrings is not allowed.
AYSO’s insurance is void if jewelry is worn. Parents will be liable for any resulting injuries.
What About Medical Alert Bracelets?
Yes — they are allowed, but must be secured and covered with tape or a cloth band, while keeping medical information visible.
What Kinds of Hair Accessories Are Allowed?
Only soft materials like fabric bands or scrunchies.
No metal or hard plastic accessories are allowed.