AYSO Core Soccer Program

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
• Player Development
  

These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

Here in AYSO, Everyone Plays means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kids plays at least half of every game. See below to learn more about AYSO's Six Philosophies. 

Also, teams are put together in a way that makes playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. It's not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score; it's 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's Six Philosophies

AYSO's Philosophies are living tenets that separate it from other sports organizations. They are Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development. 

Everyone Plays

Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game. It's no fun to spend the game on the bench...and that's no way to learn soccer!

Balanced Teams

Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it's more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels. 

Open Registration

Our program is open to all children who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. There are no elimination tryouts and nobody gets cut. 

Positive Coaching

Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child's life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl. 

Good Sportsmanship

We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to install good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO. 

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.