AYSO R213 - Primary Program

Primary (Recreational) Program

AYSO designs our programs based on age, with more than just soccer skills in mind.
We are not just a soccer program. We are a children's program designed around soccer.
 


Common to ALL formats:

  • We provide jersey, shorts, socks. 
  • Your child will need to bring a ball. U5 to U8 use size 3. U10 to U12 use size 4. U14 to U19 use size 5.
  • Your child must have safe shoes. Soccer cleats are recommended.
  • Your child must wear shin guards. We provide jersey, shorts, socks.
  • Your child cannot play while wearing any jewelry, to include earrings, bracelets, wedding rings, necklaces, or metal clips/pins in the hair.
  • Your child should have water.
  • Good sportsmanship and good sideline behavior are encouraged by you and by your children.

Which program is right for you?

The Primary Program is all age based. All you have to do is sign up for the Primary (Rec) program, and we'll put you with the right group. The information below gives you information about the group you will be in.

The U in the format name means under. Our age is based on August 1st. For example, , if your child was/will be 7 on August 1st (beginning of AYSO year) they would be in the U8 program.



U4 Playground format:

  • This is our newest program. It is still being developed. It will likely be as described below:
  • Must be 3 years old by August 1st.
  • It will be organized by our trained Playground Coordinator.
  • It allows (encourages, requires) parent involvement. This is not a drop-off program!
  • It will likely be an early afternoon session, maybe 3:00 or 4:00.
  • It will involve hula hoops, bean bags, and yes, even a soccer ball. This is a program that helps with motor skills, social skills, and physical activity. Please do not expect soccer superstars by the end of the program.


U5 Jamboree format:

  • 4 or 5 players per group. Scrimmages are 3 v 3.
  • U05 players do not have any weekday practices. 
  • Sessions are on Saturdays, will be about 75 minutes, and will have professional-led warm-ups, drills, breaks, fun activities, and more, finishing with scrimmage (4 five-minute quarters).
  • Game Fields are very small and will be 4 to 6 fields at one park. We use portable Pugg goals and cones.
  • Teams are Jamboree style. This means that the children will be in new groups assigned each week. Slightly different than the traditional seasonal team, this format works out incredibly well with the children (and parents) this age, and team sizes this small.  
  • This format uses a Master Trainer (from the Region) who guides all of the kids and parent-coaches (you) through every step, making this an outstanding experience.
  • The greatest need at this age is parent-coaches. This is a very interactive age group, and needs your help. It's about the kids!

U6 format:

  • 4 or 5 players per group. Games are 3 v 3. 
  • There are no standings or reported scores.
  • U06 players do not have any weekday practices. 
  • Sessions are on Saturdays, will be about 75 minutes, and will have warm-ups, drills, breaks, fun activities, and more, finishing with scrimmage (4 five-minute quarters). Ideas and guidance come from our Master Trainer partner.
  • Game Fields are very small and will be 4 to 6 fields at one park. We use portable Pugg goals and cones.
  • This format is very similar to U5 in activity schedule, but has season teams, coach independence, and game schedules.
  • The greatest need at this age is coaches. We encourage coaches to work together with their partner coach each week. It's about the kids!

U7, U8 format:

  • 6 or 7 players per team. Games are 5 v 5. 
  • There are no standings or reported scores.
  • U07 teams have up to one weeknight practice. U08 teams have up to two weeknights practice.
  • Games are on Saturdays, will be two 20-minute halves, with a substitution break roughly middle of each half.
  • Fields are small (usually elementary school fields) and we'll use portable Bownet goals.
  • A referee is required at each game. Assistant referees are not needed. (U8 Referee Badge)
  • There is no goal keeper. There is no offside. there are no penalty kicks. 
  • The greatest need at this age is coaches and referees. This is also the easiest age to coach or referee. It's about the kids!

U9, U10 format:

  • 8 to 10 players per team (9 is ideal). Games are 7 v 7.
  • There are standings. Top teams might also have options for post-season play.
  • U10 teams have up to two weeknights practice.
  • Games are on Saturdays, will be two 25-minute halves, with a substitution break roughly middle of each half.
  • A referee is required at each game. We strongly recommend assistant referees. (Regional Referee Badge)
  • The greatest need at this age is coaches and referees, and also good sideline behavior. It's about the kids!

U11, U12 format:

  • 10 to 12 players per team. Games are 9 v 9.
  • There are standings. Top teams might also have options for post-season play.
  • U12 teams have up to two weeknights practice.
  • Games are on Saturdays, will be two 30-minute halves, with a substitution break roughly middle of each half.
  • Games may be Area Play. We may play against teams from Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Tustin, South Irvine, Yorba Linda.
  • A referee is required at each game. We strongly recommend assistant referees. (Intermediate Referee Badge)
  • Please consider various volunteer roles, such as coaching, refereeing, board positions, field captain, booth support, etc.

U13, U14 format:

  • 12 to 15 players per team (14 is ideal). Games are 11 v 11.
  • There are standings. Top teams might also have options for post-season play.
  • U14 teams have up to two weeknights practice. Often, the older age groups will practice a little later than the younger children.
  • Games are on Saturdays, will be two 35-minute halves, with a substitution break roughly middle of each half.
  • Games are usually Area Play. We play together with Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Tustin, South Irvine, Yorba Linda.
  • A referee is required at each game. We strongly recommend assistant referees. (Intermediate/Advanced Referee Badge)
  • It is difficult to start as a referee or coach at this level. Please consider various volunteer roles, such as field captain, booth support, board positions, etc.

U16, U19 format:

  • 12 to 18 players per team (15 is ideal). Games are 11 v 11.
  • There are standings.
  • U16 and U19 teams have up to two weeknights practice.
  • Games are on Saturdays, some may fall on Sundays. U16 have 40-minute halves, U19 have 45-minute halves. Games use free substitution.
  • About half of the Games will be played outside of Irvine. Generally, we play together with South Orange County teams and regions.
  • A referee is required at each game. We strongly recommend assistant referees. (Advanced Referee Badge)
  • It is difficult to start as a referee or coach at this level. Please consider various volunteer roles, such as field captain, booth support, board positions, etc.