Player Registration
When does Fall season registration open and close?
Fall registration usually opens in May and remains open until divisions fill up. Register early to secure your spot. Visit ayso20.org and click the “Register” button on the homepage to get started.
How can I confirm if my child is registered?
Log into your inLeague account. From your Dashboard, you’ll see your child’s registration status. Team assignments will appear once teams are formed and released.
Team Formation
When will I hear from my coach?
Teams are typically formed in August, once we have final registration numbers. You will be notified after our official “embargo date,” usually right before Labor Day. After this date, you can log into your account to see your team assignment, and your coach will reach out shortly after.
What division is my child in?
Starting in the Fall 2026, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and Club Soccer are all switching to new age groupings. This is a national change, and all AYSO regions are following it. Old groupings were based on calendar year; new groupings run from August 1 – July 31 and were designed to align more closely with school years. Players will be placed automatically into their appropriate age groupings based on birthdates. Read more about age divisions.
Can I request a coach or to be placed with a friend?
We try to honor requests in younger divisions but cannot guarantee them. Here’s how requests are handled:
- U5/U6: We try to honor friend requests when possible. Volunteers get priority.
- U7: Limited requests may be granted, especially if tied to coaching or refereeing. Group requests are rare.
- U8: Team balance is a priority. Few requests may be honored. Group requests are very unlikely.
- U10 & U12: Competitive divisions. Requests can be listed in the registration comments but are rarely granted. Balanced teams is the priority.
- U14 and older: Larger rosters offer more flexibility. Some requests may be considered case-by-case.
Can my child play up or play down a division?
Players are placed in divisions based on their birthdate, following AYSO National policy and US Soccer guidelines. In special cases, a request to play up or play down may be considered, but approval is not guaranteed — especially in competitive divisions with postseason playoffs.
- August birthdays: We recognize that local districts begin their school year groupings with September cutoffs, so if your child has an August birthday and would like to “play up” in order to play with their grade level, we will strongly consider those requests.
- Other requests to “play up”: Other requests to play up (other than August birthdays) are discouraged and will only be granted in rare/exceptional circumstances. They will only be considered for players with a history of playing in Region 20 and will require that the player attend evaluations in the fall. We recognize that players born towards the end of a calendar year will be repeating a division – this will not be a basis for granting requests to play up.
- Requests to “play down”: Given the new school year alignment, requests to play down are discouraged and will be considered only for safety reasons, and only for requests to play down into 8U or younger. Requests to play down will not be permitted above 10U (meaning once you are past the correct age for 10U, no requests for playing down will be granted); playing down above this level affects teams’ eligibility for post-season play.
Any request to play up or play down should be made to the appropriate ARC via email. For girls: ARCgirls@ayso20.org. For boys: ARCboys@ayso20.org.
Games & Practices
When does the Fall season begin and end?
Games for most divisions begin the weekend after Labor Day. U5/U6, and VIP typically start the following weekend. The regular season ends the weekend before Thanksgiving. Upper divisions (16U and 19U) end in mid-November.
Will there be playoffs?
Yes, 10U to 14U teams that earn enough Volunteer Points can qualify for playoffs, held over the two weekends after Thanksgiving, typically in December.
When and where are practices?
U5 and U6 have weekend sessions that combine practice and games. All other divisions have one weekday practice in the evening starting as early as 5pm for younger ages. Practice times depend on age group and field availability.
When are games played?
All regular (Core) season games are played on Saturdays. Core playoff games can be on Saturday or Sunday.
Parent Participation
What is the Volunteer Requirement?
AYSO runs on volunteers, and we have a volunteer requirement for all families. We need coaches, referees, team admins, field helpers, and more. No experience is needed – we provide all of the training. At registration, you will be required to select volunteer positions or a “pay to opt out” option. When selecting volunteer positions, we encourage you to select multiple choices that you are willing to do. The region assigns these roles, and while we try to honor everyone’s preference, the more preferences you put, the more likely you are to get one that you want.
What are Volunteer Points and why do they matter?
Volunteer points are earned by volunteering as a referee or other key role (e.g. field monitor, field volunteer, event volunteer). Each team has a minimum number of Referee Points and Non-Referee Volunteer Points to earn in order to qualify for postseason play (U10 and older).
Player Equipment
What gear does my child need?
We provide uniforms (jersey, shorts, socks). Your child will also need:
- Shin guards (mandatory for all games and practices)
- Soccer cleats (strongly recommended for 8U and up)
- A properly sized ball
- Size 3: 5U to 8U
- Size 4: 10U and 12U
- Size 5: 14U and older
Can my child wear jewelry?
No. For safety reasons, all jewelry must be removed before games and practices. This includes earrings. Medical alert bracelets may be worn but must be taped securely.