What is AYSO Soccer?
The American Youth Soccer Organisation started in Torrance, California in 1964. Today, AYSO’s membership includes over 50,000 teams, with over 630,000 participants. Notable players who started their careers in AYSO programs include Landon Donovan, Alex Morgan, Eric Wynalda, Carlos Bocanegra, Julie Foudy, Shannon Boxx, Brian Ching, Kristen Graczyk, Natasha Kai, and Amy Rodriguez.
You can learn more about AYSO's history, mission and vision by clicking HERE,
But there’s also a Club in town. What gives? What’s the difference between AYSO Soccer and Club Soccer?
Both AYSO and Club are great options. The fundamental difference is: AYSO adheres to 6 core principles: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Player Development. Club soccer is not bound by these principles.
AYSO also offers grassroots programs for 4-8 year olds.
Both AYSO and Club offer competitive programs for 8 year-olds and above. We encourage you to investigate both.
What does the AYSO soccer program look like?
Our Core AYSO Fall Recreational soccer season runs from August through October. We form teams out of South Lake kids and play each other in a South Lake AYSO league.
Our Extra Development Program starts in October, when the best players in U10 and above form teams and enter a competitive environment called the All-Stars program. All-Star teams compete in a tournament against other AYSO regions in our Area - which are Carson City, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Truckee, Incline Village, Dayton, Carson Valley and North Tahoe.
We break for the winter (December through the end of Feburary).
In February the Alliance Development Program continues for children U10 and above who are seeking more competitive development. Alliance teams play in local gaming circuits and various competitive tournaments through June.
Okay, I'm interested in registering my child for AYSO soccer. Which age group is my child in?
Just ask yourself the simple question, "How old is my child on December 31st". This determines the age group they fall under (see more in the Player Age Guide under the What We Do tab).
How long are the games and practices?
Well that depends on your age. Have a look at the Programs we offer, find your child’s age group and the game lengths will be specified.
Practices are typically 60-90 minutes. It’s up to the coach of each team, and will generally be shorter for the younger divisions.
Teams usually have one midweek game, one weekend game, and at least one practice. Teams may have multiple practices early in August to get ready for the first games which are typically played in late August. The coach of each team makes these decisions.
The first AYSO Fall games are played in late August and the last games for teams not reaching the playoffs are played in mid to late October.
The AYSO Alliance Development teams play year around.
While we have a set season and set game times, we give the coaches a lot of latitude in setting a practice schedule because each coach knows his or her team’s needs the best. A great way to have input on this schedule is to become a coach or assistant coach!
Can an older child be switched to a younger division?
Nope. No one can play down an age division. This is important to maintain fairness to all players in the league.
Can a younger child be switched to an older division?
No. Again, it's important to maintain fairness to all players in the league.
When does the Fall League schedule come out with specific games times?
We try to release the game schedule in mid-August after teams are formed. We have to get the teams formed and coaches confirmed before we can set a game schedule.
Can my child be on the same team as his or her friend?
Only if both parents (one from each player) commit to volunteering for specific positions: head coach, assistant coach or referee. Each of these volunteer roles requires a training session and commitment of the parent. Team parent or manager roles do not allow for moving kids to the same team. We ask that parents understand how important it is to make balanced/fair teams and recognize that it is not feasible to have a policy allowing us to move 600 kids from team to team. We know it is a lot of work for a family to get a kid to an activity 3 days a week, but we also see how great soccer is for kids.
Can my children be on the same team even if they are different ages?
Only if both applicants fall under same age division.
Is my child registered?
If you want to confirm your child’s status, log into your account at www.ayso282.org, and enter the system called “SportsConnect”. If you are unable to do this, please email the AYSO Registrar at [email protected] with a screenshot of the furthest confirmation screen you can reach. Make sure to mention your child’s name, age and gender when you email the AYSO Registrar.
Do I register before I fill out my scholarship form or after?
Send the scholarship form first. It is not possible to complete registration without paying. To request a scholarship/financial assistance, please email the Registrar and Treasurer at [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject of the email "Scholarship Info."
I hear that South Lake Tahoe is Region 282. What the heck does that mean?
Okay, breathe in and for all you beancounters out there, the national AYSO organisation is divided up into Sections, Areas and Regions.
We are in Section 2 of the United States, which includes California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
Then we are in Area F of Section 2 (Western Nevada and East Central California) which includes South Lake Tahoe, Bishop, Carson City, Carson Valley, Mammoth Lakes, North Tahoe, Truckee, Incline Village and Dayton. These 9 AYSO towns are commonly referred to as the Toiyabe League of teams.
Then we, South Lake Tahoe, are offically known as Region 282.
So there you go... Section 2, Area F, Region 282. Simple when you think about it!