AYSO Core Program Divisions – Region 84
AYSO Core Program Divisions (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026)
AYSO believes that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge in an atmosphere that is both fun and challenging. Our age-appropriate division structure ensures that players are grouped with peers of similar physical and mental development, fostering a more balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone.
How Age Divisions Are Determined
AYSO determines a child's playing age by their birth year, not by the school year or the date of registration. The "U" in a division (e.g., 8U) stands for "Under," meaning players must be under that age as of December 31st of the seasonal year (the year the fall season ends). This ensures fair and consistent grouping across all regions nationwide.
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Seasonal Year
| Division |
Birth Year |
Players per Team (Approx.) |
Game Format |
Game Length |
| 4U (Playground) |
2022 |
— |
— |
— |
| 5U |
2021 |
4-5 |
3v3 (no goalie) |
4x 10-min quarters |
| 6U |
2020 |
5-6 |
4v4 (no goalie) |
4x 10-min quarters |
| 7U |
2019 |
6-7 |
5v5 (no goalie) |
2x 25-min halves |
| 8U |
2018 |
7-8 |
7v7 (with goalie) |
2x 25-min halves |
| 9U |
2017 |
8-9 |
7v7 (with goalie) |
2x 25-min halves |
| 10U |
2016 |
9-10 |
7v7 (with goalie) |
2x 25-min halves |
| 12U |
2014-2015 |
10-12 |
9v9 (with goalie) |
2x 30-min halves |
| 14U |
2012-2013 |
11-13 |
11v11 (with goalie) |
2x 35-min halves |
| 16U |
2010-2011 |
12-14 |
11v11 (with goalie) |
2x 40-min halves |
| 19U |
2007-2009 |
12-16 |
11v11 (with goalie) |
2x 45-min halves |
Below you'll find details for each division offered in our Core Program, providing insight into what your player can expect.
AYSO Playground (4U) - Birth Year 2022
Program Overview
| Description |
The 4U-Playground program is a unique program designed to develop children by focusing on improving a child's fundamental motor skills in a fun and safe atmosphere, utilizing age appropriate activities that are engaging for children this age. Players learn to hop, skip, jump, run, throw, balance, kick, and play. |
| Structure |
Parent-participate program. Each session involves parent/guardian interaction with their child and a professional instructor leading activities. |
| Teams/Games |
Players are not assigned to teams and there are no formal games. Activities are designed for individual skill building and cooperative play. |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
What to Expect
| Duration |
Typically 45-60 minutes per session. |
| Frequency |
One session per week. |
| Equipment |
Players should wear comfortable athletic clothing, athletic shoes (cleats optional), and bring a water bottle. Shin guards are not required. |
AYSO 5U Division - Birth Year 2021
Program Overview
| Description |
The 5U-Schoolyard program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while also giving the parents a foundation to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees, and administrators. The objective of the AYSO 5U-Schoolyard program is to provide young players and their parents with a "pressure free" introduction to the game of soccer. This is not to be considered a coaching program but is designed to expose kids to soccer. The two goals of this program are to allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher. There is no post season at this age level; however, each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season. The program is run with the assistance of UK International. |
| Structure |
Small-sided games (3v3) with no goalkeepers. Players learn to interact with teammates and opponents.
The coach acts as the referee to keep the game safe and fun. Parents are encouraged to cheer and not coach from the sideline. Let the game be the coach! |
| Coaches |
Teams are coached by volunteer parents, often new to soccer. Training and resources are provided by AYSO. |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
One short 30-minute group warm-up each week immediately before the game. |
| Games |
Weekly time commitment is approximately 60 minutes, including 30-minutes of group warm-ups followed by a 30-minute game supervised by a team coach. This is held on Saturdays. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
Contacts
AYSO 6U Division - Birth Year 2020
Program Overview
| Description |
The 6U program is specifically developed to introduce soccer to children in a fun and safe environment. There is no postseason at this age level; however, each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season. |
| Structure |
Small-sided games (4v4) with no goalkeepers. This promotes maximum touches on the ball and constant engagement.
Two 20-minute games are played with substitutions occurring every five minutes.
At the end of the first game, there is a short break. The two teams then switch sides and another 20-minute game is played. |
| Coaches |
Volunteer parent coaches guide teams, with ongoing support from the region. |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
One 45-minute practice per week. |
| Games |
Weekly Saturday games lasting approximately 45 minutes. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
Contacts
AYSO 7U Division - Birth Year 2019
Program Overview
| Description |
The 7U program is specifically developed to introduce soccer to children in a fun and safe environment, while allowing them to continue to expand their skills. There is no postseason at this age level; however, each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season. |
| Structure |
Small-sided games (5v5) with no goalkeepers. This allows for more space and opportunities for creative play.
Two 25-minute halves. |
| Coaches |
Volunteer parent coaches lead the teams, with increased guidance on basic tactics. |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
One 60-minute practice per week. |
| Games |
Weekly Saturday games lasting approximately 55 minutes. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
Contacts
AYSO 8U Division - Birth Year 2018
Program Overview
| Description |
The 8U program is specifically developed to introduce soccer to children in a fun and safe environment, while allowing them to continue to expand their skills. There is no postseason at this age level; however, each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season. |
| Structure |
6v6 games without goalkeepers. This format introduces more complex team dynamics and tactical awareness.
Two 25-minute halves, with a quarter break halfway through each half. Substitutions are done at every quarter break.
Each player is required to play at least 75% of each game (3 of 4 quarters). |
| Coaches |
Volunteer parent coaches continue to develop players, often with more advanced training available from the region. |
| Ball Size |
Size 3 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 60-minute practice(s) per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games |
Weekly Saturday games lasting approximately 55 minutes. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of trained, certified volunteer referees. |
Contacts
AYSO 9U Division - Birth Year 2017
Program Overview
| Description |
The 9U program is developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season, eligible teams may participate in a postseason tournament with the top two teams receiving trophies. |
| Structure |
7v7 games with goalkeepers. Two 25-minute halves with a quarter break halfway through each half.
Substitutions at each quarter break. Each player is required to play at least 75% of each game (3 of 4 quarters).
The introduction of the build-out line encourages playing the ball from the back, improving possession and strategic play. |
| Coaches |
Volunteer coaches focus on skill development and teamwork within the 7v7 format. |
| Ball Size |
Size 4 (first time using this Size 4 ball) |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 90-minute practices per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games |
Games are played on Saturdays, with a few non-standing league games on Sundays. Each game consists of two 25-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 4 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of trained, certified volunteer referees (center referee and two assistant referees). |
Contacts
AYSO 10U Division - Birth Year 2016
Program Overview
| Description |
The 10U programs were developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season, eligible teams may participate in a postseason tournament with the top two teams receiving trophies. |
| Structure |
7v7 games with goalkeepers. The build-out line rule is still in effect, promoting good habits in ball distribution and build-up play.
Two 25-minute halves, with a quarter break halfway through each half.
Substitutions are done at every quarter break. Each player is required to play at least 75% of each game (3 of 4 quarters). |
| Coaches |
Volunteer coaches continue to guide players with more advanced drills and game strategies. |
| Ball Size |
Size 4 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 90-minute practices per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games | Games are played on Saturdays, with a few non-standing league games on Sundays. Each game consists of two 25-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 4 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of trained, certified volunteer referees (center referee and two assistant referees). |
Contacts
AYSO 12U Division - Birth Years 2014 & 2015
Program Overview
| Description |
The 12U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season, eligible teams may participate in a postseason tournament with the top two teams receiving trophies. The winner of our postseason tournament is eligible to move on to the AYSO Area 11l tournament. |
| Structure |
9v9 games with goalkeepers. This format provides a bridge to full 11v11 play.
Two 30-minute halves, with a quarter break halfway through each half.
Substitutions are done at every quarter break. Each player is required to play at least 75% of each game (3 of 4 quarters). |
| Coaches |
Volunteer coaches provide training on advanced techniques, tactical play, and individual roles within the team. |
| Ball Size |
Size 4 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 90-minute practices per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games |
Games are played on Saturdays, along with a few non-standing league games on Sundays. The games consist of two 30-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 4 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of trained, certified volunteer referees (center referee and two assistant referees). |
Contacts
AYSO 14U Division - Birth Years 2012 & 2013
Program Overview
| Description |
The 14U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season, eligible teams may participate in a postseason tournament with the top two teams receiving trophies. The winner of our postseason tournament is eligible to move on to the AYSO Area 11l tournament. |
| Structure |
11v11 games with goalkeepers on a full-size field.
Two 35-minute halves, with a quarter break halfway through each half.
Substitutions are done at every quarter break. Each player is required to play at least 75% of each game (3 of 4 quarters). |
| Coaches |
Volunteer coaches with higher-level training guide players in strategic play, fitness, and refined techniques. |
| Ball Size |
Size 5 (first division to use Size 5) |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 90-minute practices per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games |
Most games are played on Saturdays, with the possibility of a few Sunday games. Each game consists of two 35-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 5 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of intermediate certified referees (center referee and two assistant referees). |
Contacts
AYSO 16U Division - Birth Years 2010 & 2011
Program Overview
| Description |
The 16U program is run by our Area 11L. The games are mostly played in South Orange County from Lake Forest to San Clemente, with some games in other local Orange County cities. The teams are placed into two flights of teams. The top two teams in the top pool have the opportunity to move on to the Sectional Playoffs. |
| Structure |
11v11 games on a full-size field. Rules align closely with official soccer regulations, fostering a highly competitive environment.
Two 40-minute halves. Games are played with free substitution with the intention of all players playing at least 50% of each game. |
| Coaches |
Advanced volunteer coaches provide advanced training and prepare players for higher levels of play. |
| Ball Size |
Size 5 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
1-2 90-minute evening practices per week, dependent on coach's schedule. |
| Games | Most games are played on Saturdays, with a few Sunday games. 16U plays two 40-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 5 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of advanced certified referees (center referee and two assistant referees) |
Contacts
AYSO 19U Division - Birth Years 2007, 2008 & 2009
Program Overview
| Description |
The 19U program is run by our Area 11L. The games are mostly played in South Orange County from Lake Forest to San Clemente, with some games in other local Orange County cities. The teams are placed into two flights of teams. The top two teams in the top pool have the opportunity to move on to the Sectional Playoffs. |
| Structure |
11v11 games on a full-size field. Full FIFA rules apply.
Two 45-minute halves. Games are played with free substitution with the intention of all players playing at least 50% of each game. |
| Coaches |
Advanced volunteer coaches provide leadership and strategic guidance, often including college-level preparation. |
| Ball Size |
Size 5 |
What to Expect
| Practices |
Typically one evening practice per week. |
| Games |
Weekly Saturday games, with a few Sunday games. 19U plays two 45-minute halves. |
| Equipment |
Each player will be given a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
* Players must provide a Size 5 soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer cleats. |
| Refereeing |
Games are officiated by a team of advanced certified referees (center referee and two assistant referees) |
Contacts