Our core program is the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields.  AYSO is best known for our core program – it’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

There are six core values – or what we call AYSO’s Six Philosophies – that are the foundation of our core program, and all others: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development.  These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

Here in AYSO, Everyone Plays means that no child spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench.  Every child plays at least half of every game.
Also, teams are put together in a way that makes playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses.  It’s not about winning big but about sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible team mate and opponent.  Developing players is what we’re about, because soccer skills and life skills go hand in hand.  AYSO’s main purpose is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play soccer.

AYSO has a birth year registration system in order to align with other  American youth soccer program providers interpretation of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.

The effective date of age determination for registration shall be the player's age as of December 31 looking ahead of the Membership Year. Example: For MY2025 the division the child will be placed in will be determined based on their age as of December 31, 2026.