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 258, EXTRA
is perfect.
EXTRATM 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 doesn’t take away from the regular program, but adds to the strength of the organization by keeping players and their families in AYSO 258.
The number of player registrations and level of interest will determine the age groups where the EXTRA
TM program is offered, 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 also participate in the same time period as the CORE program and can participate in, tournaments, National Games, and travel teams. Players playing only on an EXTRA
Tteam are eligible for tournament, travel or other secondary program teams.
Why Choose AYSO Extra for Your Child.
Because AYSO EXTRA™ is AYSO. We understand that you may have a choice of soccer programs for your child.
AYSO EXTRA™ was developed to create more competitive soccer experiences without losing sight of what makes AYSO unique.
First, AYSO EXTRA™ is governed by the Six Philosophies that set AYSO apart from other youth soccer organizations:
- Everyone Plays – Our goal is for kids to play soccer – so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least a half of every game.
- Balanced Teams – Each year we form teams as evenly balanced as possible – because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.
- Open Registration – Our program is open to all children. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. Players not selected for EXTRA™ teams are guaranteed placement on a team in AYSO’s CORE program.
- Positive Coaching – Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment and learning by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.
- Good Sportsmanship – We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and every AYSO program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in all participants.
- Player Development – We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
Second, AYSO EXTRA™ is run and operated locally, by the same volunteers who run and operate all of AYSO’s programs, and is supported by an extraordinary national organization.
Third, AYSO EXTRA™ coaches are trained under AYSO’s coaching program, the only youth soccer coaching program accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education.
Fourth, AYSO EXTRA™ is more challenging quality soccer at a less challenging cost than similar programs.
Finally, AYSO EXTRA™ is designed to be FUN. A higher level of competition should never prevent players from enjoying themselves –
the AYSO Way.
What are some of the experts saying about EXTRA™?
“The best teacher of the game of soccer is the game itself; guaranteed playing time is what makes AYSO EXTRA such a great program for young soccer players.”
Tim Ward Head Coach, Pepperdine University Women's Soccer Team
“AYSO EXTRA values positive coaching as a way to help players build their confidence and improve their soccer skills.”
Ian Feuer Goalkeeper Coach, LA Galaxy, former goalkeeper for West Ham United, New England Revolution, U.S. Men's National Team and the U.S. Olympic Team
So, when deciding between AYSO EXTRA and other programs, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my child guaranteed to play at least one-half of every game?
- Do the coaches utilize positive coaching techniques and emphasize good sportsmanship?
- Are the coaches trained under an accredited curriculum?
- Is the focus on keeping the fun in the game while competing hard?
- Are the people running the program local volunteers?
- Am I getting good value for my registration dollar?
When you answer the questions, and take into consideration all of the things that make AYSO special, we believe that you will find that AYSO EXTRA™ is the right choice for you and your child.