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What is AYSO Core?

AYSO Core is AYSO’s Primary Program and the foundation of the AYSO player experience.

Core serves players in the 6U–19U divisions and is built around AYSO’s Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies.

Players are placed on balanced teams through open registration rather than tryouts.

Core focuses on player development, access, fun, belonging, and positive youth sports experiences.

Core at a Glance

Primary Program Core is the foundation of AYSO and serves the majority of players nationwide.

Open Registration All eligible players have access to participate without tryouts.

Recreational Play The focus is development, fun, belonging, and positive youth sports.

AYSO Six Philosophies

The Six Philosophies guide the Core program and shape the full player experience.

Everyone Plays® Every player participates in at least half of every game.	Balanced Teams Teams are formed to create fair, development-focused play.	Open Registration All eligible players are welcome to register.
Positive Coaching Coaches create encouraging, player-first environments.	Good Sportsmanship Players, coaches, referees, and families show respect.	Player Development Growth and learning are prioritized over results.

Player Eligibility

Core is open to players who meet AYSO registration and age division requirements.

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 age division requirements
• Participate in the appropriate local division structure

Program Structure

Core programs are locally operated by Regions with support from Areas, Sections, and the AYSO Office.

Program structure may vary based on registration size, field space, volunteer availability, and local scheduling needs.

Core remains the foundation of the AYSO player pathway and should always be the primary focus of every Region.

Older players may continue in Core through 16U–19U programming, which can include more flexible structures while remaining aligned with AYSO philosophies and policies.

Program Expectations

Core programs are expected to protect and deliver the full AYSO experience by living the Six Philosophies in daily operations.

Programs should ensure:

• Open access for eligible players
• Proper AYSO registration
• Balanced team formation
• Safe and positive playing environments
• Volunteer recruitment and retention
• Good sportsmanship from players, coaches, referees, and families
• Player development over wins and losses

Local procedures may vary. Local processes should not be treated as National requirements unless specifically outlined in National guidance.

Volunteer Requirements

Core is powered by volunteers, including coaches, referees, board members, and team support roles.

All volunteers must:

• Complete annual volunteer registration
• Consent to required background checks
• Complete Safe Haven training
• Complete CDC Concussion Awareness training
• Complete SafeSport training where required
• Complete job-specific training and certification requirements
• Support AYSO’s Positive Coaching and player-first philosophy
• Create a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment

Strong volunteer support is essential to delivering the full AYSO experience.

Regional Responsibilities

Regional leadership is responsible for ensuring the Core program is safe, organized, and aligned with AYSO standards.

This includes:

• Volunteer recruitment and support
• Coach and referee development
• Registration oversight
• Field and game scheduling
• Financial accountability
• Player safety and risk management
• Positive family communication
• Protecting the AYSO player experience