What is AYSO Alliance?
AYSO Alliance is the highest level of competitive play offered within AYSO.
It 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 while remaining fully connected to AYSO.
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’s Vision and Mission
- The Six Philosophies
- Volunteer compliance requirements
- Financial policies and controls
- Player safety and risk management standards
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Important: Alliance participation may require fundraising and may involve travel. Travel is permitted, but not required.
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Alliance at a Glance
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Highest Competitive Level
The top competitive player pathway available within AYSO
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External Competition
Play in approved State Association and club gaming circuits
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Still AYSO
All AYSO standards, policies, and philosophies still apply
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AYSO EXTRA
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• Internal AYSO competitive program
• Teams compete primarily against other AYSO teams
• Operates within an AYSO-managed structure
• Used first where an EXTRA program is viable
• Competitive play while staying fully inside AYSO
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AYSO Alliance
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• External competition circuits
• Teams may compete against non-AYSO club teams
• Dual registration required
• Highest competitive environment in AYSO
• Still follows AYSO standards and philosophies
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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 AYSO registration requirements
- Meet applicable State Association or playing circuit requirements
- 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 also 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 competition circuit.
Each Alliance program operates under the authority of the applicable Section, Area, or Region Alliance Director while maintaining compliance with AYSO Alliance Program Operations guidance.
AYSO cannot control or be responsible for external league rules, requirements, or decisions.
Program Expectations
Alliance programs should ensure:
- Open tryouts for player selection
- Proper AYSO and State Association registration
- Certified and compliant coaches
- Required player cards and documentation
- Financial accountability
- Player safety and risk management
- Continued commitment to AYSO’s Six Philosophies
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Local procedures may vary. State-specific processes should not be treated as National requirements unless specifically outlined by AYSO.
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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 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 compliance and risk management requirements
- Hold required AYSO and/or State Association 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.
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.
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