Introduction to the New Player Guide
Welcome to the New Player Guide. This section of the website is designed for all of our parents — regardless of whether you are brand new to the world of soccer and AYSO, or you are sending your 8th child (perhaps even a grandchild) through our program. We hope you find this section of our website to be a valuable resource.
Q What do I need to register my child?
When you are ready to register your child at Region 75, you should have the following items ready:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport information page, in PDF or JPG format, on whichever device you will use to complete registration.
- A credit card to make payment — full payment is due at the time of registration.
Q Why is it asking for my child’s birth certificate? Do I have to upload a picture?
If your child has not played in our region before, you’ll be asked to provide a copy of their birth certificate or passport at the time of registration. It can be uploaded as a PDF or JPG. We reserve the right to ask to see the original document.
Q What equipment will my soccer player need?
- Full-coverage shoes are required — it’s advisable to use shoes designed specifically for soccer (rubber cleats with no toe cleat).
- Shin guards are mandatory during practice and games. Shin guards must be underneath socks and fully covered.
- Each player should have their own soccer ball of the appropriate size for their age; if a player doesn’t have one, coaches will have a ball to borrow during practice.
- Each player is issued a uniform of shorts, jersey, and socks. Lost uniforms will need to be replaced by the participant.
Q What is the appropriate size soccer ball for my player?
- 5U, 6U, 7U, and 8U use a size 3 ball.
- 10U and 12U use a size 4 ball.
- 14U, 16U, and 19U use a size 5 ball.
Q When will my child practice?
Practice times are determined by coaches. Practices are held either Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday, and may begin as early as 5:30pm and end as late as 8:30pm.
- 5U and 6U practice only on Friday nights, beginning at 6:30pm.
- 7U – 8U practice once a week for 1 hour.
- 10U – 19U practice twice a week for 1 – 1½ hours per night.
Be aware that some coaches may choose to practice only once a week.
Q Where are practices held?
All practices take place at Sierra Fields. Practices may not occur at any other location unless explicit permission is given by the Region 75 Regional Commissioner.
Q When and where are games played?
Games are played according to the schedule distributed in advance, weather permitting, unless notified otherwise by the Regional Commissioner at least one hour before the start time. Practice sessions may be cancelled or rescheduled at the discretion of the coach or Region 75.
- 5U and 6U play all games at Sierra Field on Friday nights.
- 7U, 8U, and 10U play all games at Sierra Field on Saturdays for the fall season. For the spring season, some 8U and 10U teams may travel to local regions. Start times range from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- 12U and 14U play at Sierra Field but may also play at other fields in Area Z (La Habra, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Downey, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Long Beach, South Gate). Start times range from 8:00am to 3:30pm.
- 16U and 19U play some games at Sierra Field but will also travel to other Areas in Section 11, located in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Q What division will my child play?
Division placement is determined by your child’s birth year — please review the Age Guide to determine your child’s division.
Notes regarding our divisions:
- For the fall season, the 5U/6U divisions and the 7U/8U divisions are separate and distinct. For the spring season, 5U and 6U combine into a 6U division, and 7U and 8U combine into an 8U division.
- 9U and 10U combine to form the 10U division for both fall and spring seasons.
- 11U and 12U combine to form the 12U division for both fall and spring seasons.
- 13U and 14U combine to form the 14U division for both fall and spring seasons.
- 17U, 18U, and 19U combine to form the 19U division for both fall and spring seasons.
Q We’ve signed up! Now what?
Welcome to AYSO! Your child’s coach will contact you with everything you need to get started, including practice times and location. Teams begin practice in early August.
Q Who will my child’s coach be? Can I choose my child’s coach?
AYSO’s philosophy of Balanced Teams guides the region when forming teams. Coaches are all volunteers, and players are randomly assigned to teams.
You may put in a request for your child’s coach, but there’s no guarantee we can honor it, since teams must remain balanced. A coach’s own child is automatically placed on their team.
Q What is expected of me as a parent/guardian?
The region and the children need your participation. Go to the games — parental support is crucial. Above all, be tolerant of the children’s mistakes and weaknesses. When you’re at the game, cheer for the team, not just your own child. If they enjoy it and have fun, they’ll want to play it to the best of their ability.
You can help your child’s coach by making yourself known and thanking them for their interest, and by supporting the coach’s request that your child be on time for practice and games. Remember that coaches volunteer their time to help your child and need your help and cooperation.
You can also help by becoming a volunteer yourself. Check with your child’s coach if they need an assistant coach, team parent, or referee, or see our Become A Volunteer page for the steps required.
During games, the referee is entitled to the highest respect. Their mistakes — and there will be mistakes — should be accepted without complaint. Please give them the respect and understanding to which they are entitled.
