• 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 try-outs, 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 instill 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.

What is expected of me as a parent of a player in one of our soccer programs?

Parent DOs:

• Be involved with your player and the soccer program she/he is involved in.   
• Make sure you or an assigned parent is present at all practices and games.  
• Learn the rules of the game and explore soccer content.
  
• Offer positive reinforcement and cheers to your player, their teammates, and the other team.   
• Allow the coaches and referees to provide the only sideline instruction.
• Become a volunteer and become more involved in your player's experience.
• Practice (if you can) with your player off of the field the skills learned during training sessions.   

Parent DON'TS:

• Do not drop your player off at the field without at least making plans for another team parent to remain through practice and games.
  • The weather can be fickle and both games and practices can end early.
  • This is not a baby-sitting service, but a learning opportunity for your player.
  • Skills learned can be practiced by parent and player off of the field.
  • Players tend to perform better when their parents are positively involved.

• Do not cheer only for your player.
  • Soccer is a team sport and all of your player's teammates have earned the praise.
  • Good sportsmanship is a hallmark of our soccer education.
  • Cheer the other team as well and laud worthy accomplishments.
  • Anything other than simple positive phrases become noise and distraction to the players.

• Do not shout directions/instructions to any players on the field.
  • It's the role of the coach and trainer to provide direction and instruction during practice and game play.
  • Conflicting messages confuse the players on the field and hinders the learning process.
  • Limit comments to "great job" and "well done" and "keep going" -- and other positive reinforcements.