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=AYSO Kickstart = |
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<syntaxhighlight lang="html"> |
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==What is AYSO Kickstart?== |
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<iframe src="file:///Users/alex/Downloads/content%202/index.html" width="100%" height="500"></iframe> |
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[[File:2025-03-17 18-02-30 GH5M2 Cruz P1029177-X.jpg|thumb]] |
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AYSO Kickstart is AYSO’s entry-level soccer experience designed to reimagine early play environments, spark joy, boost development, and help kids fall in love with the game from day one. |
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Grounded in years of sport and early-childhood research, Kickstart transforms traditional practice into child-centered play. Sessions feature fun, fast-moving activities and modified small-sided games that create a lively, sandlot-style jamboree experience. |
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</syntaxhighlight> |
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=AYSO Age Determination (Fall 2026 Season)= |
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AYSO uses a '''school-year registration system''' to place players in the correct division. Divisions are assigned by '''birth year''' using the window '''August 1 – July 31'''. A player remains in the same division for the entire membership year (Aug 1–Jul 31). |
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==Age Group Chart: Fall 2026== |
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[[File:AYSO-Age-Groups-Fall-2026.png|center|800px|AYSO Age Groups for Fall 2026]] |
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{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; width:60%; text-align:center;" |
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!Division!!Birthdate Range |
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|- |
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|'''6U'''||Aug 1, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021 |
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|- |
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|'''8U'''||Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2020 |
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|- |
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|'''10U'''||Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2018 |
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|- |
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|'''12U'''||Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2016 |
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|- |
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|'''14U'''||Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2014 |
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|- |
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|'''16U'''||Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2012 |
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|- |
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|'''18U'''||Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2010 |
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|} |
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==How It Works== |
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#Find the player’s date of birth. |
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#Match it to the birthdate range in the chart. |
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#That division applies for the full membership year (Aug 1–Jul 31). |
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This system keeps players grouped by age in line with school calendars and U.S. Soccer standards. |
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==Interactive Age Determination Tool== |
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{{#tag:html| |
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<div style="position:relative;width:100%;height:0;padding-top:49.2679%;box-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(63,69,81,0.16);margin:1.6em 0 .9em;border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;"> |
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<iframe |
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loading="lazy" |
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src="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG4ZykOPKI/view?embed" |
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title="AYSO Age Group Determination 2026–2027" |
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style="position:absolute;inset:0;border:0;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;padding:0;" |
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allowfullscreen |
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></iframe> |
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</div> |
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<p><a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG4ZykOPKI/view?utm_content=DAG4ZykOPKI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Open in Canva</a></p> |
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}} |
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Kickstart is typically offered for the youngest and first-time players and serves as the first step in the AYSO player pathway. |
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==Notes for EXTRA, Alliance, and Competitive Teams== |
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==Why Kickstart?== |
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*All players must meet AYSO’s age eligibility using the school-year matrix above. |
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[[File:2024-10-19 10-17-41 GH7 P1002415-X4.jpg|left|thumb]] |
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*'''Playing down''' into a younger division is not permitted. |
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*'''Playing up''' may be considered only when developmentally appropriate and approved by the Region (and per any Area/Section rules). |
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*Alliance teams may follow league-specific labels, but AYSO registration and eligibility still use the same age matrix. |
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==Guiding Principle== |
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Kickstart looks and feels different from traditional youth soccer, and that is intentional. |
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Age determination exists to create safe, developmentally appropriate playing environments that are consistent across AYSO. |
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Today’s youth sports are often over-structured and adult-driven, which does not always match the needs of the child. Kickstart adapts the environment so the game belongs to the kids again. |
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The streets, parks, and backyards have produced some of the world’s most creative players. When children are given the freedom to play, they become healthier, happier, and more confident. |
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'''Benefits include:''' |
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*Physical health |
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*Unleashed creativity |
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*Social and emotional growth |
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*Confidence and independence |
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*Accessible and inclusive play environments |
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==What does a Kickstart session include?== |
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Each Kickstart session is simple, fast-moving, and designed to keep players active. |
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Every session includes: |
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#A Fundamental Motor Skill activity (such as skipping or balancing) |
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#A game-like soccer activity to build skill and understanding |
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#'''The Big Match''' – a modified small-sided game (2v2 or 3v3) |
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Each session also includes a social and emotional learning theme, such as helping others, sharing, or teamwork. |
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==Why do parents choose Kickstart?== |
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[[File:2024-10-19 10-29-32 GH7 P1002918-X4.jpg|thumb]] |
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Parents choose Kickstart because it: |
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*Feels welcoming and low-pressure |
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*Fits into modern family schedules |
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*Focuses on fun, development, and child ownership |
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*Builds confidence instead of stress |
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*Is run by an organization they trust |
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*Encourages parent participation and support |
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For many children, Kickstart is their first organized activity, and the program is designed to make that experience positive and memorable. |
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==How does Kickstart support development?== |
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Kickstart creates a strong foundation for future soccer participation by: |
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*Introducing basic ball familiarity and movement |
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*Building comfort in a group play environment |
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*Encouraging listening, sharing, and simple directions |
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*Helping players transition confidently into team-based soccer |
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The goal is not to rush development, but to set players up for long-term success and enjoyment. |
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==How does Kickstart reflect AYSO’s philosophies?== |
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As an official AYSO program, Kickstart follows the AYSO Six Philosophies: |
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*Everyone Plays® |
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*Positive Coaching |
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*Player Development |
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*Good Sportsmanship |
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*Open Registration |
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*Balanced Teams |
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Kickstart introduces these values from the very beginning of a player’s soccer journey. |
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==Kickstart at a glance== |
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*'''Who:''' First-time and youngest players |
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*'''Focus:''' Fun, movement, confidence, and play |
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*'''Style:''' Sandlot-inspired, small-sided, child-centered play |
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*'''Structure:''' Flexible sessions designed for families |
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*'''Outcome:''' Happy kids, confident parents, players ready for team-based soccer |
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Latest revision as of 02:04, 19 February 2026
AYSO Kickstart
What is AYSO Kickstart?
AYSO Kickstart is AYSO’s entry-level soccer experience designed to reimagine early play environments, spark joy, boost development, and help kids fall in love with the game from day one.
Grounded in years of sport and early-childhood research, Kickstart transforms traditional practice into child-centered play. Sessions feature fun, fast-moving activities and modified small-sided games that create a lively, sandlot-style jamboree experience.
Kickstart is typically offered for the youngest and first-time players and serves as the first step in the AYSO player pathway.
Why Kickstart?
Kickstart looks and feels different from traditional youth soccer, and that is intentional.
Today’s youth sports are often over-structured and adult-driven, which does not always match the needs of the child. Kickstart adapts the environment so the game belongs to the kids again.
The streets, parks, and backyards have produced some of the world’s most creative players. When children are given the freedom to play, they become healthier, happier, and more confident.
Benefits include:
- Physical health
- Unleashed creativity
- Social and emotional growth
- Confidence and independence
- Accessible and inclusive play environments
What does a Kickstart session include?
Each Kickstart session is simple, fast-moving, and designed to keep players active.
Every session includes:
- A Fundamental Motor Skill activity (such as skipping or balancing)
- A game-like soccer activity to build skill and understanding
- The Big Match – a modified small-sided game (2v2 or 3v3)
Each session also includes a social and emotional learning theme, such as helping others, sharing, or teamwork.
Why do parents choose Kickstart?
Parents choose Kickstart because it:
- Feels welcoming and low-pressure
- Fits into modern family schedules
- Focuses on fun, development, and child ownership
- Builds confidence instead of stress
- Is run by an organization they trust
- Encourages parent participation and support
For many children, Kickstart is their first organized activity, and the program is designed to make that experience positive and memorable.
How does Kickstart support development?
Kickstart creates a strong foundation for future soccer participation by:
- Introducing basic ball familiarity and movement
- Building comfort in a group play environment
- Encouraging listening, sharing, and simple directions
- Helping players transition confidently into team-based soccer
The goal is not to rush development, but to set players up for long-term success and enjoyment.
How does Kickstart reflect AYSO’s philosophies?
As an official AYSO program, Kickstart follows the AYSO Six Philosophies:
- Everyone Plays®
- Positive Coaching
- Player Development
- Good Sportsmanship
- Open Registration
- Balanced Teams
Kickstart introduces these values from the very beginning of a player’s soccer journey.
Kickstart at a glance
- Who: First-time and youngest players
- Focus: Fun, movement, confidence, and play
- Style: Sandlot-inspired, small-sided, child-centered play
- Structure: Flexible sessions designed for families
- Outcome: Happy kids, confident parents, players ready for team-based soccer
