ALL-STAR & SELECT

AYSO All-Star and Select programs are competitive postseason programs for players (typically 10U+) who have demonstrated high skill, sportsmanship, and commitment during the Fall recreational season. This program serves as a bridge to higher-level play like EXTRA, requiring full commitment to training and tournaments.

  • Eligibility: Players must have participated in at least half of their Fall season games.

  • Selection Process: Players are nominated by coaches and invited to participate in tryouts/evaluations held in late Fall (typically November, after Fall playoffs).

  • Season Timing: The season typically runs from December - February, featuring competition against other regions in the Area All-Star tournament in mid-January. Select teams do not participate in the All-Star tournament, but are eligible for AYSO and SoCal general tournament play.

  • Commitment: High commitment is expected for practices and games; it is more intensive than the regular season. Emphasis on strong volunteer support for coaching and refereeing.

  • Goal: To provide a higher level of play and skill development for advanced players.

  • Costs: $150; custom uniforms are provided, but there will be fees for any additional tournaments the team enters, outside of the All-Star Tournament.

AYSO Select is another competitive, post-season option for players advancing from the Fall Core season. All-Star teams are created first after All-Star tryouts, then Select teams typically form after All-Star teams have been made. Technically, the All-Star season ends with the All-Star tournament. But both All-Star and Select teams are eligible to continue to play in AYSO tournaments through Spring.

EXTRA & ALLIANCE

AYSO EXTRA is a competitive, tryout-based soccer program for players (typically 10U+) seeking higher-level play than standard recreational (Core) soccer, while retaining AYSO's core values like 50% minimum playtime. It provides a more challenging, year-round, or extended-season experience with limited, regional travel, serving as a more affordable alternative to club soccer.

Key Aspects of AYSO EXTRA

  • Competitiveness: Designed for skilled players, featuring competitive games against EXTRA teams from other AYSO regions within the Southern California Extra Development Soccer League (SCEDSL).

  • Player Development: Focuses on skill enhancement, with coaching often including professional trainers.

  • Structure: While competitive, it still adheres to AYSO philosophies, including the requirement that every player plays at least 50% of each game.

  • Tryouts: Selection is based on open, competitive tryouts typically held after the All-Star season, around November.

  • Commitment & Costs: Requires higher commitment than Core, with additional fees (often $350–$550 for the year) for full home/away uniform kit, and travel.

Differences from Core and Club

  • Vs. Core: EXTRA is for players needing more challenge and faster-paced development than the recreational Core program.

  • Vs. Club: Offers a similar level of competition to club teams but is generally more affordable and guarantees playing time, unlike the "pay-to-sit" structure of many private clubs.

EXTRA teams who have played together for a while and are ready to advance to an even higher level of competition can move their team up to Alliance. Much like EXTRA, Alliance is a tryout based program for players/teams who want to play in either internal or external competitive gaming circuits as members of both AYSO and US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer.

AYSO ALLIANCE teams represent the National Program in their local ALLIANCE circuit as well as in inter-state tournaments. This opportunity to play may require team fundraising, and will likely involve team travel.