EXTRA Play Program Manager - Jim McCarthy
EXTRA Play
The EXTRA Play program (formally referred to as "Plus") was developed
for U9 through U14 players with advanced soccer skills who wish to develop their
skills on a more competitive level. Recognizing the need to offer an AYSO based program for higher caliber players, and to help develop players for high school and college competition, AYSO is providing a program that will provide a higher level of training from more experienced coaches and a higher level of competition for those involved. Players participating in this program will compete against EXTRA Play teams from other regions and local area’s during a season lasting from September to December.
In addition to the fall season, many teams may continue into the spring season as
a Spring Select Competitive team.
The EXTRA Play program requires more travel and commitment than a regular
recreational team, so it may not be right for everyone. This program was designed for serious soccer players and their families and may not be appropriate for strong athletes who compete in many sports. Our recreational program still provides many opportunities for competitive soccer with fewer demands for time and travel.
While many EXTRA Play games will be played within Area L (South Orange County), some games or tournaments will be played outside Area L. The
other local Area's Q, K, Z and E may play host to some games as well, i.e.
Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Whittier and Long
Beach, just to name a few. There also may be occasional Sunday games or double-headers.
Potential players must participate in the try-out and be selected to play on
an EXTRA Play soccer team. The final decision will be made by the Regional
Staff and the head coach whom are facilitating the try-out process. The decision is based on soccer skill level, attitude, player position,
and commitment to the EXTRA Play program.
The EXTRA Play program allows each region to provide a team for each age level
unlike recreational soccer where two ages are combined in a division. For
example, AYSO recreational programs combine ten-year-old players and
eleven-year-old players in the Under 12 age group. The EXTRA Play program
provides a team for Under 11 and a seperate team for Under 12. There are
also teams for Under 9, Under 10, Under 13 and Under 14.
If the EXTRA Play program sounds like the right program for your player and family, watch our calendar for try-out information. Try-outs are generally held in the
middle of spring and these teams stay together for one full year. Registered players who are not selected for
an EXTRA Play team will be notified and placed on a recreational soccer team within Region 84 for our fall program. All players placed on a recreational fall team will still have an opportunity to be considered for the Spring Select program from our recreational program.
If you have additional questions, please contact the EXTRA Play Program Director.