Programs

AYSO Player Pathway

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is committed to providing a player pathway which places each player in a developmentally appropriate environment.

Our pathway begins with our AYSO Playground Soccer program designed to introduce families and children to the physical literacy requirement to play soccer.

Our players then progress into our AYSO Core program where our tremendous volunteers create a fun, energetic playing experience that allows players to thrive in the game of soccer.

Our objective is to create an environment where each player has the opportunity to excel and reach their potential no matter if their goal is to play at the highest level, college, high-school or just to have fun!

Registration Age Breakdown

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 on December 31, 2025.

Core Programs (Ages 4 through 18):
6U (4 & 5 Year Olds): Birth Years 2020 & 2021
8U (6 & 7 Year Olds): Birth Years 2018 & 2019
10U (9 & 10 Year Olds): Birth Years 2016 & 2017
12U (10 & 11 Year Olds): Birth Years 2014 & 2015
14U (12 & 13 Year Olds): Birth Years 2012 & 2013
16U (14 & 15 Year Olds): Birth Years 2010 & 2011
19U (16, 17, 18 Year Olds): Birth Years 2007, 2008, 2009

AYSO Core - Primary Program: Ages 4-18 (Birth Years 2007 through 2021)

The AYSO Core Program is another name for AYSO’s Primary program, which is home to the majority of our players and spans from 6U – 19U divisions. With our Philosophies laced throughout, our Core Program is the nation’s leading grassroots soccer program.

What is AYSO Core?

Our Grassroots program is the foundation for all the fun, excitement, and learning that happens on the fields! We have developed our soccer program to be age-appropriate and developmentally challenging based on our Six Philosophies, which are the essence of AYSO’s Mission and Vision and guide all that we do.

Everyone Plays(R)
Balanced Teams
Open Registration
Positive Coaching
Good Sportsmanship
Player Development

What does “Everyone Plays®” mean?

In AYSO, Everyone Plays(R) means that no child spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every child plays at least half of every game.

What are “Balanced Teams”?

In AYSO, teams are balanced to make playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. This way, we teach children about good sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible teammate and opponent. By focusing on player development over winning, AYSO is truly child-first and child-focused. This approach makes AYSO one of the finest player development programs dedicated to youth athletics and creating happy, healthy kids.

Can older kids still enjoy AYSO?

The fun doesn’t have to stop when you’re young! As players get older, AYSO’s 16U-19U Program gives your teenage athletes another choice for more advanced play.

EPIC: All Ages (Beginning at 4 years old or birth year 2021)

In 2024, AYSO rebranded its renowned VIP Program to EPIC, standing for Everyone Plays In our Community.

Launched in 1991, AYSO’s VIP Program was established to give players with intellectual and physical challenges, the opportunity to play and enjoy the beautiful game. The EPIC rebrand is designed to remind AYSO members and the surrounding community that AYSO is a place that everyone can play, no matter your ability. We are so excited to also have one of our longstanding partners, Augusta Sportswear, be a part of this rebrand in supporting existing and new programs with resources, from free uniforms for players and buddies, grants for equipment and marketing collateral to help spread the word.

AYSO Board Member, Penney Wakefield, stated, “the refreshed brand captures our energy, belief and support of this wonderful program! The support AYSO partner, Augusta Sportswear is providing, will help revitalize and we are very appreciative. We have a qualified and energetic volunteer leadership team who will be focusing on updating existing materials to reflect innovative and current methodology.”

As part of US Soccer’s Disability Organizations, AYSO intends to further establish the EPIC Program throughout the country. For more information, please email programs@ayso.org.

What is AYSO EPIC?

The mission of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide athletes with disabilities the additional support they need to fully participate in a quality soccer experience. The ultimate goal of the AYSO EPIC Program is to provide a holistic AYSO experience for players, families, and volunteers, from team uniforms, to playing on a team, to cheering from the sidelines, for all participants.

What is an EPIC Buddy?

EPIC Buddies assist during the games in which players learn soccer while meeting new friends, having fun and increasing skills and self-esteem. Players and their families, along with our volunteers, enjoy the complete AYSO experience – team uniforms, scoring goals, cheering from the sidelines, and beyond! The vision of the AYSO EPIC Program is to create teams in every AYSO Region to maximize opportunities for EPIC player participation.

EPIC & How it Relates to AYSO’s Six Philosophies

The AYSO EPIC Program is designed to give children and adults a soccer experience that incorporates the six AYSO Philosophies:

Everyone Plays: In EPIC, Everyone Plays without regard for their disability.

Balanced Teams: Teams are created to maximize opportunities for player participation in age-appropriate groups for maximum player safety and experience.

Open Registration: The EPIC Program is open for all athletes with disabilities from ages 4-99. There are no try-outs, and all players are welcome.

Positive Coaching: Players’ efforts are recognized and encouraged toward achieving their personal goals. The use of EPIC Buddies may support players during the game and create an additional element of positive coaching and support.

Player Development: Players are afforded opportunities to play the ball helping them to build on previously learned skills. Family members are involved in learning soccer fundamentals to support the development of their players. Players are encouraged to participate in physical movement at their individual level to help them maximize their physicality.

Good Sportsmanship: Players learn the importance of teamwork and fair play by recognizing and celebrating the efforts of all team members. Family members are also encouraged to model good sportsmanship by cheering from the sidelines for all players.

Website Manager

AYSO Region 266 - Marine Park Soccer

Learn About Our Programs: Ages 4-18