What makes AYSO different?
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AYSO's Vision is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.
AYSO's Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on AYSO’s six philosophies:
• Everyone Plays
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development
Click here to view AYSO’s Philosophies
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When and where will my child be playing games and having practices?
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Region 310's home field is Sahuaro Ranch Park and the Auxiliary field at Glendale Community College. Most games will be played at the Auxiliary fields on Saturday mornings between 8am and 3pm. Coaches ultimately determine their team's practice location and time, but many choose to utilize the Main field at Sahuaro Ranch Park because of the lighting and the community feel of the home field. Practices are typically held sometime between 5pm and 10 pm on weeknights, with the older ages going later in the evening. During our Fall Primary Season, we limit our practices to once a week for U-8 players and younger and twice a week for U-10 to U-14. Travel and Challenge team practices are determined by their respective coaches and are typically longer in duration, but not more often than 3 night a week.
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Besides registration, what other soccer expenses should I expect?
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Not included in the registration fees are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a strongly recommended practice ball. In addition, the team parents will possibly request a small amount to cover the expenses of a team banner, hair pieces (for the girls), end of season team party and a small gift for the coach. Also, each family is often requested to bring snacks for the team at one game during the season.
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In what age group will my child play? |
| Players are placed in age divisions U5(Jamboree), U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 (U stands for Under that age. For example: U12 means children that are under 12 years of age as of July 31 of the year in which the fall season begins.) Use this Age Group Calculator if you need help determining your child’s division.
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How old / young does my child need to be to play AYSO soccer? |
Children between the ages of 3 and 18 as of July 31 of the year in the fall season begins can play AYSO soccer.
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My child does not meet the minimum age range for the AYSO Fall season, but he/she is very [big/strong/athletic/coordinated] for his/her age. Can we still sign up for the upcoming Fall season?
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No. AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players being the proper age to play and being placed in their age appropriate divisions. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient – they’ll grow up before you know it!
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Can I request certain practice days/times?
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The best way to ensure you get the practice days and times you want is to volunteer to coach. If that is not possible you may place a request on your form, however; this does not guarantee your request. Also, many coaches do not pick their practice days and times until they have a roster in their hand; this makes it virtually impossible for the region to place kids by this very specific criteria.
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What is the duration of games? |
The length of game is dependent on the age division your child plays in, Here is a good estimate of game durations:
U6 • <40 minutes
U8 • 40 minutes
U10 • 50 minutes
U12 • 60 minutes
U14 • 70 minutes
U16 • 80 minutes
U19 • 80 minutes
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What size soccer ball should I get for my child? |
U8 and below • Size 3 ball
U10 thru U12 • Size 4 ball
U14 and above • Size 5 ball
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What should I bring to my child's practices and games? |
Shin guards (required), closed toed tennis shoes, a soccer ball, uniform (games only) and water. Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!
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Do I have to get soccer shoes for my child to play?
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No, soccer shoes are not mandatory but are highly recommended (regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative). When buying soccer shoes, they cannot have a toe cleat (baseball shoes have a toe cleat). Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.
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Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?
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| Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could injure a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to.
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Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practices and games? |
No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games.
There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child and all the other players.
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The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?
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No. While the doctor may be representing your son’s interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that he limit his participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS. This applies at the games as well as at practices.
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What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?
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Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.
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It can be cold during the late Fall and early Spring season. Can my child wear a sweatshirt/pants during the games?
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Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with). It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors if possible. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.
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What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
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Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories such as “scrunchies” and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable.
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Can I bring my dog to practices or games? |
No! Dogs are not allowed at any AYSO practices or games. If you bring your dogs to an AYSO field, you will be asked to remove the dog and/or leave. We love our pets too, but this is not the place for them. And yes, we understand she's just a little lap dog, but we can't make any exceptions on this one.
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How are teams formed? |
We follow one of AYSO's core principles when forming teams: Balanced Teams. This means that teams are formed as balanced as possible based on the following criteria (when available), in order: (1) ratings from coach from prior year, (2) years of soccer experience, (3) school grade (in multi-grade divisions), and (4) gender (for co-ed divisions).
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The fall season is approaching. When will I find out what team my child is on?
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Your coach will be contacting you within a few weeks of the start of the season to introduce him or herself. Although email is a preferred method of communication for most of our coaches, make sure to get their current phone number when they call. If you've not heard from your coach, PLEASE BE PATIENT. He or she is working hard to get ready for the season.
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