A full size soccer team has 11 players on the field. But smaller-sided teams for younger children allow more touches on the ball and a more successful soccer learning environment.

AYSO small-sided games emulate classic “street soccer” where children of many skill levels choose up teams and play together for a fun neighborhood game. This is a similar environment to where many of the greatest soccer players in the world developed their skills.

Every AYSO decision, rule, and program starts with “What’s good for kids!”

The AYSO Team Parent is a pivotal part of every team! They are the coach’s assistant, cheerleader, and traffic director all in one. These are things you will already be doing if your child is on the team, so take it one more step and help the entire team operate more smoothly!

Every coach needs help arranging snacks and water for games, making calls when rain or snow makes practice impractical, and keeping an energetic team in line on the sidelines. Assisting with these and other tasks help make a difference for a whole team! Becoming a Team Parent is a great way to make your child’s team a family experience. Contact [email protected] to sign up today!

AYSO’s unique, dynamic programs and policies focus on protecting our entire member base. These include:

Safe Haven – The AYSO Safe Haven program was the first of its kind in youth sports, most notably in soccer. We continually strive to create a safe environment for our players and volunteers, so they can enjoy a happy and healthy soccer experience.

AYSO Certification – AYSO provides training certification for all its volunteers. Certification helps ensure every AYSO child will be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect

Kids Zone – Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. Kids Zone buttons and signs are distributed throughout the Region and parents are asked to sign the Kids Zone Pledge promising to behave within the guidelines of the program.

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 – This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need must: 1. be properly trained and certified; 2. be performing duties as laid out in a position description; 3. act within the scope of AYSO’s Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

Good sportsmanship is one of the fundamentals of any sport. It is simply showing courtesy and respect for all involved in the game.

AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in our programs. It is one of the philosophies listed in the AYSO National Bylaws. AYSO strongly encourages our Regions to promote good sportsmanship throughout our inclusive and dynamic programs. Elements of our programs may vary from Region to Region, but all define the conduct of players, coaches, referees, and even parents.

We strive to educate our Regions and all AYSO volunteers to know what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship. AYSO understands that good sportsmanship doesn’t just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated.

Let the coaches coach and the referees ref!
Coaches and referees are usually parents too. They volunteer their time to help make your child’s youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too, so avoid refereeing from the sidelines and please refrain from coaching during games and practices. Our referees and coaches are important for fun, fair and safe games. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.

Always Be Positive
You are not on the team, but you have strong influence on the team’s environment. Applaud good plays by your child’s team and also by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Be Enthusiastic And Supportive
Let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games!

Reinforce Positive Behavior
No one likes to make a mistake, so if your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.