AYSO Playground Program

The playground/schoolyard 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. Players at this age are gently introduced to competition.

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 and we strive to have players on the field for 3/4 of the game.
• Balanced Teams makes playing soccer about the experience, not the outcome of a single game.
• Good Sportsmanship is learning to be the best possible team mate and opponent, not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score.
• Player Development 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.

Player Eligibility: All kids are eligible. Age verification is required the first time you register to ensure your child is placed in the proper group.

Coaches: The AYSO Playground program is led by the Division Director and volunteer coaches. Parents are intimately involved in guiding their player under the guidance of the Program Leader and Coaches.

Age Groups: Players who will turn 3-4 in the following calendar year, this means in the fall, the oldest player will be 3 years 8 months of age.  

Description:
What is AYSO Playground?
AYSO Playground is a child development program. The objective of this program is to help develop, in collaboration with the parent or guardian, the child’s fundamental motor skills using soccer as a common thread.
 
How long are AYSO Playground sessions?
The sessions should be no more than 45-60 minutes at a time (including rests and breaks).  Currently, Playground practices on Saturdays at 9am.
 
Is there competition in AYSO Playground?
There is no competition in AYSO Playground Soccer! The goal of AYSO Playground is to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians.