AYSO Alliance provides an opportunity for selected AYSO teams to participate in external competition circuits while remaining connected to AYSO’s Vision, Mission, Six Philosophies, and player development pathway.
Contents
A competitive AYSO player pathway program that allows selected AYSO teams to participate in external competition circuits while remaining connected to AYSO’s Vision, Mission, Six Philosophies, and player development standards.
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Program Type
Competitive Play
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Structure
Region, Area, or Section
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Team Selection
Open Tryouts
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Age Model
August 1 Age Determination
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AYSO Alliance
Supporting AYSO player development to the highest levels of play while maintaining AYSO’s Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies.
The AYSO Alliance program is an integral part of AYSO’s competitive player pathway and provides selected teams the opportunity to participate in external competition circuits such as US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and other approved State Association gaming environments.
Alliance is designed for players seeking a higher level of competitive play while remaining part of AYSO. It may also serve as a progression point toward AYSO United.
To align with the AYSO player pathway, EXTRA should be utilized first where an EXTRA program is viable.
Alliance teams remain AYSO teams and must continue to follow AYSO standards, volunteer requirements, financial controls, player safety expectations, and the Six Philosophies.
Alliance Compared to EXTRA
AYSO EXTRA
- Internal AYSO competitive program
- Teams compete primarily against other AYSO teams
- Operates within an AYSO-managed gaming structure
- Used first where an EXTRA program is viable
- Competitive play while remaining fully inside AYSO’s structure
AYSO Alliance
- External competition circuits
- Teams may compete against non-AYSO club teams
- Requires AYSO registration plus State Association or playing circuit registration
- Supports players ready for a higher competitive environment
- Still follows AYSO standards, policies, and Six Philosophies
Alliance participation may require fundraising and may involve travel. Travel is permitted, but not required.
Player Eligibility
Players are selected through open tryouts.
Tryout timing may vary based on local needs and the rules of the applicable State Association or external competition circuit.
Player eligibility follows the current AYSO age determination structure using the Membership Year school-year model with an August 1 age determination date.
Players must:
- Meet current AYSO registration requirements
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the applicable State Association or playing circuit
- Attend open tryouts to be considered for placement
Players may play up one year with parent and coach approval. Multiple-year play-up requires approval from the appropriate Alliance Director and may be subject to State Association limitations.
Program Structure
Alliance may be organized at the:
- Region level
- Area level
- Section level
This depends on local structure, field availability, market demand, and access to an appropriate external playing circuit.
Each Alliance program operates under the authority of the applicable Section, Area, or Region Alliance Director while maintaining compliance with the AYSO Alliance Program Operations guidance.
AYSO cannot control or be responsible for external league rules, requirements, or decisions.
General Program Expectations
Alliance programs should ensure:
- Players are registered in the AYSO registration system of record
- Players complete any required State Association registration
- Coaches submit annual volunteer applications
- Coaches meet all AYSO compliance requirements
- Coaches satisfy applicable licensing requirements
- Teams follow all external playing circuit rules
- Required player cards, coach cards, medical releases, and forms are completed
- Teams continue to uphold AYSO’s Six Philosophies
- All financial and risk management policies are followed
Important: Local procedures may vary. State-specific processes should not be treated as National requirements unless specifically outlined by AYSO.
Starting an Alliance Program
Any Region, Area, or Section interested in starting an Alliance program must:
- Complete an AYSO Alliance application
- Receive approval from the local Area Director and Section Director
- Coordinate with the AYSO Office
- Demonstrate sufficient field space and player demand
- Identify access to an appropriate external competition circuit
- Agree to all required program standards
- Pay the applicable Alliance team fee
- Maintain consistent uniforms with the AYSO Alliance logo
Alliance is a local program operating within National standards.
Coach Selection and Requirements
Alliance coaching positions should be advertised annually.
All Alliance coaches must:
- Adhere to the AYSO Vision, Mission, and Six Philosophies
- Complete annual volunteer registration
- Meet all compliance and risk management requirements
- Hold required AYSO and/or State Association coaching certifications
- Represent AYSO professionally in all Alliance activities
Each Alliance team must have:
- One Head Coach
- One Assistant Coach
A Team Manager is strongly recommended.
Team Operations
Alliance teams should support:
- Competitive player development
- Clear family communication
- Proper supervision and player safety
- Compliance with AYSO and external competition standards
This may include:
- Training sessions
- League competition
- Tournament participation
- Guest player procedures where permitted
- Volunteer-to-player supervision compliance
- Due Process and Dispute Resolution procedures
Alliance teams are expected to represent AYSO positively in all competitive environments.
Financial Matters
Alliance fees are established locally and may include:
- Team fees
- State Association fees
- Registration fees
- Referee fees
- Tournament fees
- Uniform costs
- Approved operating expenses
All Alliance finances must follow AYSO financial policies and procedures including:
- Proper accounting practices
- Timely deposits
- Approved budgets
- Monthly reporting
- Financial oversight
- Compliance with audits and controls
Teams must fund themselves appropriately.
Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process
Alliance players, coaches, volunteers, and parents represent AYSO.
All participants are expected to maintain high standards of:
- Sportsmanship
- Respect
- Conduct
- Sideline behavior
- Positive coaching
All AYSO Dispute Resolution and Due Process procedures apply.
Alliance Directors may issue discipline above local league sanctions when appropriate and consistent with AYSO policy.
Suspension or removal should always be a last resort.
Primary Program Giveback
Alliance should strengthen—not separate from—the Primary Program.
Examples include:
- Coach education support
- Referee program participation
- Tournament support
- EPIC support
- General volunteer service
- Regional development support
Specific expectations should be coordinated locally.
Resource Clipboard
Alliance Program Operations
National operating guidance
Startup Checklist
Program startup guide
RC Verification Form
Regional Commissioner approval
Coach Review Form
Coach application sample
Coach Verification
Coach responsibilities form
State Association Contacts
League and State contacts
Need Help?
For Alliance questions, contact:
programs@ayso.org
