2026 Extra Play Program (EPP) Tryouts

The Region 84 Extra Play Program represents AYSO’s highest level of competition in Mission Viejo outside of Club. It is designed for players who have developed strong technical ability, focus, and consistency and who are ready to compete in a more demanding team environment. The Extra Play Program requires a greater commitment level than recreational soccer, both time wise and financially.

Extra Play teams train and compete year round in league and tournament play.

How to Register for Tryouts

Three steps to register:

1. Review the Age Group Formation Matrix to confirm your player’s division.
2. Complete the Player Application.
3. Attend at least one of the two sessions for your division. See the schedule below.

Note: Submitting the application registers your player for tryouts only and does not guarantee a roster spot.

Age Groupings (2026) (age group formation based on Aug. 1 to Jul. 31)

Division	Birth Range
U9	Aug 2017 - Jul 2018
U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2017
U11	Aug 2015 - Jul 2016
U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2015
U13	Aug 2013 - Jul 2014
U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2013

Beginning in 2026-27, US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO align to an Aug. 1 age group cut off (Aug. 1 to Jul. 31).

Play Up Considerations

The recent shift in age brackets is part of a nationwide alignment led by U.S. Soccer. All youth organizations, including AYSO, are moving to school year age groups to ensure consistency across programs. Read more about the change here.

Important: AYSO believes it is in the best interest of players to play in their assigned age division. Age group cut offs have no correlation with level of play or soccer aspiration. Teams will be formed based on the matrix above. Age cut offs and play up considerations are set by AYSO at the national or section level, such as Section 11, and are not determined by Region 84.

Age Group FAQ

Why is there an age change?

U.S. Soccer recently removed its nationwide calendar year age mandate. Earlier this year, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer collectively decided to return to a school year calendar, Aug. 1 to Jul. 31, for all divisions. This shift aligns youth soccer with school grade levels and helps simplify age groups across programs.

Who made the age change?

The decision was made at the national level by the three major governing bodies of U.S. youth soccer. It was not a Region 84 decision and it applies nationwide to all youth soccer programs, including recreational, club, and Extra Play teams.

• US Youth Soccer
• AYSO
• US Club Soccer

Who does the age change apply to?

The new school year age matrix applies to all youth soccer players in the United States, regardless of program or competition level. That includes AYSO’s Core, Extra Play, and Club programs.

When will the age change go into effect?

The new divisions will officially start with the 2026 to 2027 soccer year. Region 84 Extra Play tryouts this season will already use the school year matrix to help make a smooth transition.

Can Region 84 make an exception to the age change?

No. Region 84, along with all 64 regions in AYSO Section 11, must follow AYSO National’s age division policy and Section 11’s play up guidelines. Local regions are not allowed to make exceptions.

Can my player born on or after Aug. 1 play up with former teammates?

In most cases, no. AYSO Section 11 has limited play up approvals to only two specific situations:

• Players currently on 13U Extra teams who will rise to 14U next year.
• Players whose school year age group does not have an Extra team.

All other players will need to try out for, and if selected, play in their natural age division under the school year framework.

What does this mean for Region 84 Extra Play teams?

This upcoming season will be a transition year. Some players and coaches may move to new divisions, but our core mission remains the same. We want to provide a positive, competitive, and developmental environment where every player can grow in skill, confidence, and character.

Division	Birth Range	Boys	Girls
U9	Aug 2017 - Jul 2018	TBD	TBD
U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2017	Louis Cortez	Brittany Beckstead
U11	Aug 2015 - Jul 2016	TBD	Julie James
U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2015	Justin Smith	Michael DeAnda
U13	Aug 2013 - Jul 2014	Josh Ahrens	TBD
U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2013	Michael Hickman	Carlos Loverde

TBD slots indicate divisions still being finalized.

Tryout Schedule

Venues: Monday-Thursday at World Cup Fields • Friday at Gilleran Park.

Time	Divisions
4:00 to 5:00	U9 and U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
5:15 to 6:15	U11 and U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2016
6:30 to 7:30	U13 and U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2014

Time	Divisions
4:00 to 5:15	U9 and U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
5:45 to 7:00	U11 and U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2016
7:30 to 8:45	U13 and U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2014

Time	Divisions
4:00 to 5:15	U9 and U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
5:45 to 7:00	U11 and U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2016
7:30 to 8:45	U13 and U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2014

Time	Divisions
4:00 to 5:15	U9 and U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
5:45 to 7:00	U11 and U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2016
7:30 to 8:45	U13 and U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2014

Time	Divisions
4:00 to 5:15	U9 and U10	Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
5:45 to 7:00	U11 and U12	Aug 2014 - Jul 2016
7:30 to 8:45	U13 and U14	Aug 2012 - Jul 2014

Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in. Each division has two sessions. Attending at least one is required; attending both is encouraged.

What to Expect at Tryouts

Each session includes a short warm up followed by individual and small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) plus a scrimmage.

What Evaluators Look For

• Technical: Ball control and first touch
• Tactical: Speed of play, decisions, positioning, awareness
• Team Play: Movement off the ball and teamwork
• Physical: Athleticism, balance, endurance
• Attitude: Effort, focus, coachability

What to Bring

Please arrive 15-30 minutes early for check-in and warm-up.

• Cleats and shin guards (required)
• Proper soccer attire (no jewelry)
• Water bottle
• Soccer ball labeled with player’s name
• Goalkeepers: gloves, if applicable

Example 2025 to 26 Season Schedule (subject to change)

Dates are illustrative and may shift. Practice schedules are determined by each head coach.

Window	Phase	Notes
Fall 2025	Tryouts	All players try out yearly for roster consideration.
Late Dec 2025 to Jan 2026	Rosters Announced	Teams formed; offers delivered; signatures returned.
Late January	Practices Begin	Team meeting, uniform ordering, and practices start.
March to May	Spring Season	League play. No postseason in Spring.
June to August	Summer Tournaments	Mission Viejo Classic plus one to three additional tournaments are typical.
Early September to November	Fall Season	Primary season for Extra Play.
December 2026	Extra Play State Cup Postseason	Post-season tournament window.

Questions

Contact Brett Hickman, Region 84 Extra Play Coordinator, at [email protected].