EXTRA Program
The EXTRA program gives AYSO athletes a more progressive soccer experience. Player selection is tryout-based with evaluations usually taking place in Spring...teams start practice usually sometime in August. EXTRA teams are grouped in single year divisions & play a more competitive Fall Season against other EXTRA teams from other Areas/Regions and continues through Winter & Spring with select AYSO tournaments. While EXTRA is similar to competitive "club soccer" with a more intensive training schedule & player commitment, it is set apart with a far more affordable fee structure & it still abides by all of AYSO's core philosophies (including a guaranteed 50% minimum playing time per game).
In addition to player commitment. the EXTRA program has a volunteer requirement for all parents in support of both the team & the Region's "CORE" program (regular season team competition). Each team is led by volunteer coaches with the some of the weekly training with the support of professional coaching. All teams are required to have a minimum number of Referee volunteers as well.
Instead of the usual Core Fall Season, our EXTRA teams play in the SCEDS (Southern California EXTRA Development Soccer League). Section One has two playing circuits designated by East & West. Each circuit will play within their circuit and maintain separate standings. Cross circuit play may be necessary in some divisions in order to give every team a competitive playing season.
2024 PROGRAM DETAILS
1. TEAMS AND AGE GROUPS: Extra teams play in single year divisions. These are some of the divisions for possible girls and boys teams for Fall 2024:
Birth Year | Division | # Players | Roster size |
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2015 | 10U | 7 | 10-11 |
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2014 | 11U | 9 | 12-13 |
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2013 | 12U | 9 | 12-13 |
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Team formation is subject to availability of sufficient number of qualified players and coaches. Section 1 may also decide not to field a division for a given age group.
2. PLAYER COMMITMENT: Players selected for Extra teams are expected to make AYSO Soccer their first priority of extra-curricular sports activities. Extra players are NOT permitted to play club soccer concurrent with the Fall Extra Season.
3. COACHES: All Extra coaches will be qualified at a level above what is required of core AYSO coaches. Head Coach and Assistant Coach Requirements:
- Be an AYSO trained coach in a level above what is required of core AYSO coaches;
- Be registered as a 2024 AYSO Volunteer (with up to date LiveScan/ annual Background Check);
- Be Safe Haven certified (along with other required Safety certifications);
- Be an active participant in the Region’s standard primary program as an instructor, coach or Referee mentor, or other volunteer service the Region determines adequate to fulfill this requirement;
- Be in good standing with the Region, Area, Section and AYSO National;
- Be approved by the Extra Coach Selection Committee;
- Be evaluated and renewed each membership year;
4. PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS: To make sure the Extra Program has the best coaching resources available, all Extra teams will be offered professional trainers to work side-by-side with team coaches for some of the practices. All trainers are experienced in working with youth soccer players of all ages.
5. PRACTICES: All Extra team players are required to participate in two regularly scheduled weeknight practices. Please see Parent Commitments for practice attendance requirements.
- Practices will generally run for 1.5 hours. Practices may run longer or shorter depending on the age of the players, the coach and trainer’s preference, and field availability.
- Practices will be conducted by qualified AYSO coaches with some practices with the support of paid professional trainers.
- Practices are typically held at the same fields used in the Fall AYSO program.
6. GAMES: Games of the Extra Fall season are played on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Home games are played at AYSO 78 fields. Away games will be at hosting regions throughout Section 1 (Pacific Palisades to Pasadena to Palos Verdes). The Extra Fall League Season runs from August through January. Extra teams that advance to the playoffs will have additional games in February and March. Extra Teams may also participate in tournaments during the Extra fall season.
At the conclusion of the Fall Extra season, Extra teams will join the Winter/ Spring tournament circuit. This may include Spring Leagues and tournaments such as Locomotion (Riverside) or Strawberry Cup (Camarillo).
7. COST: Extra players must be registered for the 2024-25 season. Cost to participate in the Extra program is comprised of the following:
- Regular season registration fee - This amount varies depending on when you register (early bird, regular, or late registration).
- Extra program fee (approximately $300) - This covers additional field usage, home and away uniforms, professional trainers, and Section 1 administrative fee.
- Spring Fee (approximately $185) - All players who play spring tournament soccer are required to pay the Spring Fee. This fee is not collected until March 1st.
At the conclusion of the Fall portion of the Extra season, Extra teams can choose to enter tournaments and additional costs will be determined by the number of tournaments attended. We anticipate the costs to be similar to the cost of participating on a Spring tournament team.
Payment is due within three days of your acceptance.
8. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial assistance for Extra players is available.
9. PARENTAL COMMITMENT: All parents will be required to have a volunteer role for their Extra team. Extra families will be encouraged to have at least one family member enroll in referee classes. In addition, each Extra team will be required to provide volunteer hours to the Fall Core program. Please review Parent Commitments, and remember, being on an Extra team means not only Extra commitment from the players, but from the families as well.