EXTRA is a try-out based, internal gaming-circuit program that offers players a higher-level opportunity to refine their skills in a more competitive playing environment. Although players are more advanced, the EXTRA program follows the same core values as the other programs and embraces AYSO's six philosophies.
What is AYSO EXTRA?
AYSO EXTRA is a PROGRESSIVE PLAYER PROGRAM designed to provide a more challenging level of soccer for AYSO players who have the interest, skills and abilities. It enhances that player's experience and individual growth through soccer while retaining the spirit of and organization membership in AYSO. EXTRA is not designed to overshadow or harm the standard primary program - rather the goal is to strengthen AYSO by recruiting and retaining players and volunteers through providing more competitive play the AYSO way - all EXTRA programs embrace the Six Philosophies of AYSO. For those who want to play harder and still be a part of AYSO, EXTRA is perfect! This program gives AYSO athletes a more progressive soccer experience. With the right balance of competition and inclusion, you can feel secure knowing your child is part of a trusted organization and will be given fair playing time.
AYSO EXTRA Tools and Resources
These documents and tools have been developed for use by approved AYSO EXTRA programs. They are designed to assist Regions/Areas/Sections in building strong EXTRA programs and ensuring their success under the national guidelines. Honest, objective feedback will also be gathered to improve programs and to ensure continuation of excellent programming for our players.
No heading in division 12U and under
If 4 teams or less in a division then West and East will inter-play with home and away games.
Copies of tryout records and game cards will be collected by the EXTRA Coordinator. Regions are advised to maintain records.
EXTRA Program teams are formed at the Region level. For teams being formed for Fall 2026, the new School Year matrix will be utilized.
Age Matrix
Division | Birthdate Range |
9U | August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 |
10U | August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 |
11U | August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 |
12U | August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 |
13U | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
14U | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
For more information on School Year Change, Click Here
Play Up Considerations: We believe it is in the best interest of players to play in their assigned age division, when available. Teams will be formed based on the matrix provided above and will be regrouped with EXTRA players, chosen through a regional tryout, from their school year, instead of birth year.
• Grandfather clause: Younger 2013 EXTRA players (Aug-Dec 2013) may play up in u14 with RC approval. (Based on tryouts/not guaranteed). Viability of the u13 team should be considered before RC offering play ups into the u14 division.
• A player may play up one division, ONLY if there is not a team offered in their current division in their region and only if the region offers one-year divisions. (Written RC approval needed prior to player being rostered)
• Under no circumstances may a player play up into a u9 division.
There will be no other Play Up Exceptions for the Fall 2026 EXTRA Season. All rosters will be reviewed prior to the start of the Fall Season in order to assure compliance and eligibilty of the team.
Please reach out to your local region for tryout information.
EXTRA Team Sizes:
| Division | Number of Players | Max Players |
|---|
| 14U | 11 | 15 |
| 13U | 11 | 15 |
| 12U | 9 | 12 |
| 11U | 9 | 12 |
| 10U | 7 | 10 |
ALL AYSO coaches and assistant coaches must complete the following:
- Be a registered and an approved volunteer for the current program/season (including background check clearance).
- Must have completed the AYSO Safe Haven course.
- Successfully completed the AYSO/CDC Concussion Awareness course.
- Completed the AYSO Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness course.
- ALL Coaches must complete the AYSO Live Scan (Fingerprinting) process.
- Safe Sport certification must be current/valid.
- Be properly trained per the AYSO National Coaching Program Guidelines for the age/skill level of the team they wish to coach.
Below are the required coaching certifications for each age level:
| Division | Required Certification |
| 10U | 10U Coach |
| 12U | 12U Coach |
| 14U | Intermediate Coach |
ALL AYSO referees and assistant referees must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a registered and approved volunteer for the current program/season (including background check clearance).
- Completed the AYSO Safe Haven course.
- Successfully completed the Concussion Awareness course.
- Completed the AYSO Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness course.
- Safe Sport certification must be current/valid.
- Be trained per the AYSO National Referee Program Guidelines for the age/skill level of the match they wish to referee.
- ALL Referees must complete the AYSO Live Scan (Fingerprinting) process.
- Minimum age requirements:
Below are the general required referee certifications for each age level:
| Division | Required Certification |
| 10U | Regional |
| 12U | Regional or Intermediate |
| 14U | Intermediate or Advanced |
| 16U/19U | Advanced or National |
** Some certifications may be completed online **