Category:Alliance: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:AYSO Alliance}} |
{{DISPLAYTITLE:AYSO Alliance}} |
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__NOTOC__ |
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==== What is the AYSO Alliance program? ==== |
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The purpose of the AYSO Alliance program is to support AYSO player development to the highest levels of play. The AYSO Alliance program is an opportunity for high performance AYSO teams to play in external club soccer circuits. Teams register in both AYSO and the local club organization such as US Club or US Youth Soccer, and play against other Alliance and/or external club teams. Travel is required. |
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Alliance was developed primarily for two main environments: |
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# An AYSO Region that does not have enough neighboring competition, so they can play at a competitive level in a local club circuit. |
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# A particular EXTRA or Tournament team has outperformed its competition, and wants to graduate to a higher level of club play. |
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Each AYSO Alliance program will operate in the best interest of the local Area and Regions with an emphasis on the player pathway and creating a positive learning environment for our players and coaches. The program will serve as an entry point for players into external competition circuits. AYSO Alliance teams represent the National Program in their local Alliance circuit and in inter-state tournaments. |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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What is AYSO Alliance? |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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AYSO Alliance is an AYSO competitive program that allows teams to participate in external playing circuits while remaining fully connected to AYSO. |
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==== Player Eligibility ==== |
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Players are selected through open tryouts, typically held in February or December, depending on the age group. Club league rules dictate when tryouts can occur. All players must be nine years old by December 31st of the upcoming season to be eligible to participate in the Alliance program. |
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It is the highest level of competitive play offered within AYSO. |
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==== How is Alliance different than EXTRA? ==== |
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[https://ayso.org/ayso-extra/ AYSO EXTRA] is an ''internal'' gaming circuit that consists of only AYSO teams. EXTRA requires some travel but teams compete within a specific AYSO Section or group of Sections (i.e. [https://sites.google.com/view/aysoscedsl/home SCEDSL]). |
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Teams are formed through open tryouts and selected players may compete in leagues such as US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and other approved State Association gaming circuits. |
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Alliance is designed to plug competitive AYSO teams into ''external'' club gaming circuits. They may only play outside club teams for the duration of their season but can enter AYSO Open Invitational tournaments. |
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'''EXTRA should be used first where an EXTRA program is available and viable.''' |
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==== Regional, Area, and Section Logistics ==== |
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It is highly recommended that Alliance is run at the Section level to ensure a consistent experience for all players. Operating guidelines and directives fall under the authority of the AYSO Area or Region Alliance Director and are outlined below. Note that AYSO cannot control or be responsible for external playing circuit rules, requirements or decisions. |
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Alliance teams remain AYSO teams and continue to follow AYSO’s Vision, Mission, Six Philosophies, and player safety standards. |
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Though some procedures may differ from Section to Section, these are the general requirements for Alliance programs: |
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| style="width:30%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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# Players and Coaches must be registered AYSO Affinity platform and US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer. For example, in Section One, Alliance players and coaches register with CalSouth. |
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# Coaches must be submit a Volunteer application each year and be fully certified as a volunteer with AYSO. |
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# Coaches must be registered and certified with US Soccer and hold age-appropriate [https://learning.ussoccer.com/coach coaching licenses] as well as AYSO [[:Category:AYSOU|coaching certifications]]. |
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# Players will need both AYSO and state-certified ID Cards. |
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# Regions, Areas, or the Section will need to create an Alliance Club, with the intention of registering teams to a local club league or circuit. Coaches will need to register their individual teams to that Alliance Club. |
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# Regions will need to provide the minimum number of teams (usually 5 or 6) to construct a "club" for league registration, but that can be supplemented with Area and/or Sectional management. In some states, the state soccer association may allow individual teams to register for state-run leagues. |
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# Leagues often have specific scheduling requirements, such as consecutive home games to accommodate referees. |
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# Team application must be completed by May for the following Fall season, and submitted to the Section/Area/Region Alliance President. |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; background:#ffffff;" |
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==== Starting-up and Maintaining an Alliance Program ==== |
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|- |
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Any person or Region interested in starting an AYSO Alliance program MUST: |
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[[File:AYSO-Alliance-26_BLACK_500x500.png|220px]] |
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|} |
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* Be approved by the local Section Director and Area Director. The AYSO Office will assist in establishing the program in compliance with current standards and guidelines as set forth in the [https://wiki.ayso.org/w/images/AYSO_ALLIANCE_Program_Operations_9.25.pdf Alliance Program Operations document]. The [[Media:Alliance Operations Start-up Checklist 9.25.docx|AYSO Alliance Program Section Director Checklist]] is the place to start for all Sections or Areas looking to formalize existing Alliance programs or to form new ones. As each club league has different requirements, this document should be modified as needed. Alliance Directors can use the [[Media:State-Association-contacts.xlsx|State Association Contacts]] as a starting place to identify possible leagues in which Alliance teams could play. |
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** Considerations for acceptance include: being based in geographical Areas where there are supporting Regions, sufficient field requirements, demand for club soccer and availability of a club gaming circuit. |
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* Agree to all standards/expectations to ensure quality programming and AYSO representation. Additionally, Section Directors must be listed as a contact with the state organization. |
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* Pay the Alliance Team Fee as set by Region/Area/Section (see financial section). |
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* This is a Region/Area/Section program, and all teams from the same Region should wear the same color/style of uniform within that Area/Section and will bear the AYSO Alliance logo on the chest. Uniform colors in the ALLIANCE program may differ from program to program. |
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* Apply for reapproval every three (3) years. |
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The [https://wiki.ayso.org/w/images/Regional-Commissioner-Confirmation_Document_9.25.docx Regional Commissioner Verification Form] ensures Regional Commissioners understand and agree with what they are required to host Alliance programs. |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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===== Other Forms ===== |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Sections are encouraged to thoroughly vet all prospective Alliance coaches to ensure they are not only exceptional coaches, but that they are committed to following AYSO's Six Philosophies and align with AYSO's values. A [https://wiki.ayso.org/w/images/ALLIANCE_Coach_Application_form_9.25.doc Coach Review application form] can be adapted to the Region/Area/Section's needs. Once coaches have been selected, the [https://wiki.ayso.org/w/images/Alliance_Coach_Verification.docx Alliance Coach Verification Form] allows Alliance program administrators to verify that Alliance coaches are aware of their responsibilities. |
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Alliance at a Glance |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:22px 0;" |
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #0054A6; padding:30px;" | |
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<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">Tryout Based</div> |
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Teams are formed through open tryouts for players seeking higher competition. |
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #C8102E; padding:30px;" | |
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<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">External Competition</div> |
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Teams compete in approved State Association leagues and club circuits. |
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| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #dbe4ee; border-top:5px solid #f5a623; padding:30px;" | |
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<div style="font-size:24px; font-weight:700; color:#0a1f3b; margin-bottom:14px;">Still AYSO</div> |
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Alliance teams follow AYSO’s Six Philosophies and player-first standards. |
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|} |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Alliance Compared to EXTRA |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:16px 0;" |
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| style="width:48%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d9e2ec; border-top:5px solid #0054A6;" | |
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|- |
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| style="background:linear-gradient(to right,#0054A6,#2b7de9); color:white; text-align:center; padding:14px; font-size:18px; font-weight:bold;" | |
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AYSO EXTRA |
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|- |
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| style="padding:18px; line-height:1.8;" | |
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• Internal playing circuit<br> |
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• Competes against other AYSO teams<br> |
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• Used first when available<br> |
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• Competitive play within AYSO |
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|} |
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| style="width:4%;" | |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;" |
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|- |
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| style="background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); color:white; text-align:center; padding:14px; font-size:18px; font-weight:bold;" | |
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AYSO Alliance |
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|- |
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| style="padding:18px; line-height:1.8;" | |
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• External playing circuits<br> |
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• May compete against non-AYSO teams<br> |
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• Dual registration required<br> |
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• Highest competitive level in AYSO |
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|} |
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|} |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Player Eligibility |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance teams are formed through '''open tryouts'''. |
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Tryout dates vary based on local program needs and State Association rules. |
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Player eligibility follows the current AYSO Membership Year school-year model using the '''August 1 age determination date'''. |
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Players must: |
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* Be registered with AYSO |
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* Meet applicable State Association or playing circuit requirements |
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* Attend open tryouts to be considered for selection |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Program Structure |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance may operate at the Region, Area, or Section level depending on local structure, field space, and access to an approved external playing circuit. |
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Each program operates under the local Alliance Director and must follow AYSO Alliance Program Operations guidance. |
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AYSO does not control external league rules or decisions. |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Program Expectations |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance programs are expected to operate within both AYSO guidelines and the requirements of their approved playing circuit. |
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Programs should ensure: |
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* Open tryouts for player selection |
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* Proper AYSO and State Association registration |
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* Certified and compliant coaches |
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* Required player cards and player documentation |
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* Financial accountability and oversight |
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* Player safety and risk management |
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* Continued commitment to AYSO’s Six Philosophies |
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'''Local procedures may vary.''' State-specific rules should not be treated as National requirements. |
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|} |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Starting an Alliance Program |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance programs are locally operated and must meet National program standards. |
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Before starting an Alliance program, Regions, Areas, and Sections should ensure there is player demand, field availability, and access to an appropriate external playing circuit. |
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To start an Alliance program: |
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# Complete the AYSO Alliance application |
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# Receive approval from the Area Director and Section Director |
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# Coordinate with the AYSO Office |
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# Identify an approved external playing circuit |
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# Meet required program standards |
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# Pay the applicable Alliance team fee |
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# Use uniforms with the approved AYSO Alliance logo |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Coach Selection |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance coaching positions should be posted each year and filled through a local review process. |
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All Alliance coaches must: |
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* Follow AYSO’s Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies |
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* Complete annual volunteer registration |
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* Meet compliance and risk management requirements |
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* Hold required AYSO and/or State Association coaching certifications |
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* Represent AYSO professionally on and off the field |
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Each Alliance team must have: |
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* One Head Coach |
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* One Assistant Coach |
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A Team Manager is strongly recommended. |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Alliance Coach License Requirements |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Coaches must meet both AYSO certification requirements and the licensing requirements of their State Association or approved playing circuit. |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #d9e2ec;" |
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|- |
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| style="background:linear-gradient(to right,#0054A6,#2b7de9); color:white; padding:14px; text-align:left;" | Division |
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| style="background:linear-gradient(to right,#0054A6,#2b7de9); color:white; padding:14px; text-align:left;" | Required AYSO Certification |
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| style="background:linear-gradient(to right,#0054A6,#2b7de9); color:white; padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U.S. Soccer License |
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|- |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U9–U10 |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U10 Coach |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | 7v7 Grassroots |
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|- |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U11–U12 |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U12 Coach |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | 9v9 Grassroots |
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|- |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U13–U14 |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | Intermediate Coach |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | 11v11 Grassroots |
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|- |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | U15–U19 |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | Advanced Coach |
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| style="padding:14px; text-align:left;" | 11v11 Grassroots |
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|} |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:40px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Primary Program Giveback |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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Alliance should support and strengthen the Primary Program, not operate separately from it. |
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Alliance programs are expected to support the Primary Program through leadership, volunteer service, and player development. |
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Examples include: |
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* Coach education and mentoring |
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* Referee support and participation |
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* Tournament and event support |
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* EPIC program involvement |
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* Regional volunteer service |
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* Player development clinics and training |
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Specific expectations should be determined locally. |
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<div style="background:#0054A6; border-left:6px solid #C8102E; border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); padding:18px 24px; margin:50px 0 24px 0; box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.15), 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);"> |
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<div style="font-size:30px; font-weight:700; color:white;"> |
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Resources and Tools |
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</div> |
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</div> |
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:20px 18px; margin:0 0 30px 0;" |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:AYSO ALLIANCE Program Operations 9.25.pdf|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Alliance Program Operations</span>]] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:Alliance Operations Start-up Checklist 9.25.docx|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Alliance Startup Checklist</span>]] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:Regional-Commissioner-Confirmation Document 9.25.docx|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Sample RC Verification</span>]] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:ALLIANCE Coach Application form 9.25.doc|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Sample Coach Review</span>]] |
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</div> |
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|- |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:Alliance Coach Verification.docx|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Sample Coach Verification</span>]] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:AYSO_Alliance_Logos.zip|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">Alliance Logos</span>]] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[https://www.ussoccer.com/organization-members-directory/state-associations <span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">State Association Contacts</span>] |
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</div> |
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| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top;" | |
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<div style="height:90px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; background:linear-gradient(to right,#C8102E,#E33B54); border-radius:12px; box-shadow:0 6px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); text-align:center; padding:10px;"> |
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[[Media:United_to_Alliance_Transition_Checklist.pdf|<span style="color:white; font-size:17px; font-weight:bold;">United to Alliance Transition Checklist</span>]] |
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</div> |
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|} |
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[[Category:Programs]] |
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[[Category:Alliance]] |
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Latest revision as of 11:28, 30 April 2026
|
What is AYSO Alliance? AYSO Alliance is an AYSO competitive program that allows teams to participate in external playing circuits while remaining fully connected to AYSO. It is the highest level of competitive play offered within AYSO. Teams are formed through open tryouts and selected players may compete in leagues such as US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and other approved State Association gaming circuits. EXTRA should be used first where an EXTRA program is available and viable. Alliance teams remain AYSO teams and continue to follow AYSO’s Vision, Mission, Six Philosophies, and player safety standards. |
|
Alliance at a Glance
|
Tryout Based
Teams are formed through open tryouts for players seeking higher competition. |
External Competition
Teams compete in approved State Association leagues and club circuits. |
Still AYSO
Alliance teams follow AYSO’s Six Philosophies and player-first standards. |
Alliance Compared to EXTRA
|
|
Player Eligibility
Alliance teams are formed through open tryouts.
Tryout dates vary based on local program needs and State Association rules.
Player eligibility follows the current AYSO Membership Year school-year model using the August 1 age determination date.
Players must:
- Be registered with AYSO
- Meet applicable State Association or playing circuit requirements
- Attend open tryouts to be considered for selection
Program Structure
Alliance may operate at the Region, Area, or Section level depending on local structure, field space, and access to an approved external playing circuit.
Each program operates under the local Alliance Director and must follow AYSO Alliance Program Operations guidance.
AYSO does not control external league rules or decisions.
Program Expectations
Alliance programs are expected to operate within both AYSO guidelines and the requirements of their approved playing circuit.
Programs should ensure:
- Open tryouts for player selection
- Proper AYSO and State Association registration
- Certified and compliant coaches
- Required player cards and player documentation
- Financial accountability and oversight
- Player safety and risk management
- Continued commitment to AYSO’s Six Philosophies
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Local procedures may vary. State-specific rules should not be treated as National requirements. |
Starting an Alliance Program
Alliance programs are locally operated and must meet National program standards.
Before starting an Alliance program, Regions, Areas, and Sections should ensure there is player demand, field availability, and access to an appropriate external playing circuit.
To start an Alliance program:
- Complete the AYSO Alliance application
- Receive approval from the Area Director and Section Director
- Coordinate with the AYSO Office
- Identify an approved external playing circuit
- Meet required program standards
- Pay the applicable Alliance team fee
- Use uniforms with the approved AYSO Alliance logo
Coach Selection
Alliance coaching positions should be posted each year and filled through a local review process.
All Alliance coaches must:
- Follow AYSO’s Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies
- Complete annual volunteer registration
- Meet compliance and risk management requirements
- Hold required AYSO and/or State Association coaching certifications
- Represent AYSO professionally on and off the field
Each Alliance team must have:
- One Head Coach
- One Assistant Coach
A Team Manager is strongly recommended.
Alliance Coach License Requirements
Coaches must meet both AYSO certification requirements and the licensing requirements of their State Association or approved playing circuit.
| Division | Required AYSO Certification | U.S. Soccer License |
| U9–U10 | U10 Coach | 7v7 Grassroots |
| U11–U12 | U12 Coach | 9v9 Grassroots |
| U13–U14 | Intermediate Coach | 11v11 Grassroots |
| U15–U19 | Advanced Coach | 11v11 Grassroots |
Primary Program Giveback
Alliance should support and strengthen the Primary Program, not operate separately from it.
Alliance programs are expected to support the Primary Program through leadership, volunteer service, and player development.
Examples include:
- Coach education and mentoring
- Referee support and participation
- Tournament and event support
- EPIC program involvement
- Regional volunteer service
- Player development clinics and training
Specific expectations should be determined locally.
Resources and Tools
