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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.

Resource Clipboard Use these documents to start, manage, and support your Alliance program. Alliance Program Operations Startup Checklist RC Verification Form Coach Review Form Coach Verification State Association Contacts

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

AYSO EXTRA • Internal playing circuit • Competes against other AYSO teams • Used first when available • Competitive play within AYSO

AYSO Alliance • External playing circuits • May compete against non-AYSO teams • Dual registration required • Highest competitive level in AYSO

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.

To Be Eligible, 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

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

1. Complete the AYSO Alliance application
2. Receive approval from the Area Director and Section Director
3. Coordinate with the AYSO Office
4. Identify an approved external playing circuit
5. Meet required program standards
6. Pay the applicable Alliance team fee
7. Use uniforms with the approved AYSO Alliance logo

Coach Selection and Requirements

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.