IntroductionOur 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. Everyone Plays means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kid 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 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.
Location
6U: All practice / game sessions are held at Frank Hren Discovery Park.
8U - 10U: All games are held at Frank Hren Discovery Park, practice location will vary by team.
12U: Most games are held at Frank Hren Discovery Park although one or two games may be held at a nearby region, practice location will vary by team.
Day & Time
6U - One hour total session are held on Saturdays (30 minutes practice / 30 minutes Game) during the fall and spring seasons.
8U- 12U games are held on Saturdays during the fall and spring seasons, practices days will vary by team.
Player Equipment
Players will need the following:
- Uniform jersey, shorts and socks (a uniform set will be distributed by the Team Parent to all players)
- Shoes and shin guards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes or sneakers are recommended. Baseball shoes with a toe cleat are not permitted. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before each game.
- Soccer Ball
- 6U & 8U: Ball size 3
- 10U & 12U: Ball size 4
- Water bottle
- No jewelry may be worn for practices or games (this includes earrings), unless they are required religious reasons or are medical items. The official at the game will determine the safety of these items.
Parent Participation
Parents are encouraged to participate as a Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Parent or Referee. You don't need to have played soccer or know much about it in order to participate. Particularly at the lower levels, many coaches learn the game along with their kids. All parents are encouraged to cheer positively and refrain from "coaching" (giving directions) from the sideline.
The Details: 6U- 12U
| Division | Game Format | Roster Size |
| 6U | 4 v 4 | 5 - 6 |
8U | 4 v 4 | 5 - 6 |
10U | 7 v 7 | 8 - 10 |
12U | 9 v 9 | 10 - 12 |
The Season
MG AYSO Region plays a fall season and a spring season, each consisting of eight weeks. The emphasis of the program is on regular season play for enjoyment and recreation. We do not post results or standings, there is no ranking of teams and there is not a season ending play-off or all-star game.
Games
6U: Each game is approximately 25 minutes. Games are made up of two halves, with a halftime, with a running clock which is kept by a Team Coach on the field. (Practice is held prior to the game.)
8U - 12U: Each game is slotted for one hour. Games are made up of four quarters, with a halftime, with a running clock which is kept by the referee on the field. Each player should arrive 15 minutes early in order to warm up and go through a safety review before the start of the game in order to start the game on time.
Practices
6U: Each practice is approximately 30 minutes and are held before the game on Saturdays.
8U - 12U: Players who register assume an obligation to attend all games each season and also to attend at least one practice per week, the time and location of which is to be determined by the coach. Players who cannot make this commitment will miss out on the learning some of the essential skills, strategies taught, and the enjoyment of playing soccer with their teammates. Each player should arrive on time, and be picked up on time.