AYSO Region 76 offers several competitive pathways for players who want more challenge or a longer season. All four options keep AYSO’s core values at heart—Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Player Development—while offering different levels of commitment and competition.
|
|
Post-Season (All-Star) |
Extra |
Alliance |
United |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For |
Standout Core players looking for more fun after the season is over. | Advanced players wanting a higher level during the regular season and all year round. | High-performing players seeking club-style play while staying in AYSO. | Players ready for fully year-round club soccer under the AYSO United banner. |
Season Length |
Winter and Spring | Fall, Winter, and Spring | Year-Round | Year-Round |
Tryouts / Selection |
Open Tryouts with selection by the Post-Season Committee and input from coaches. | Open Tryouts in the Spring with selection by the Extra Committee. | Open Tryouts in the Spring for select teams which the Region is currently hosting. | Club tryouts by AYSO United for select teams. |
Weekly Load (In-Season) |
1–2 trainings per week. Scheduled weekend scrimmages. 5-7 Tournaments. | 2 trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. 5-9 Tournaments in Winter and Spring. |
2 trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. State Cup in the Spring. |
2+ trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. State Cup in the Spring. |
Travel |
Local scrimmages and Southern California Tournaments | Greater Southern California area weekend games and Southern California Tournaments | Greater Southern California area weekend games and Greater Southern California Tournaments | Greater Southern California area weekend games and Regional Travel / Showcases |
Cost Level |
$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Roster Size |
Standard AYSO Rosters | Standard AYSO Rosters | Club-style | Club-style |
Playing Time |
Everyone plays; competitive minutes | Everyone plays; competitive minutes | Everyone plays; competitive minutes | Coach-managed; competitive |
Referees |
Volunteers. From among team parents. |
Volunteers. From among team parents. |
Volunteers. From among team parents. |
Professional. Paid referees. |
*Cost varies by age, events, uniforms, tournaments, and travel; exact fees published with each team/season.
Competitive post-season teams (sometimes referred to as All-Star teams or tournament teams or Spring Select teams) are formed from Fall Core standouts. Teams train together and play local tournaments and friendly matches, typically December through May. These teams allow players to continue to develop and have fun in the Post-Season Tournament environment. Post-Season introduces players to year-round play.
Players who excelled in Core and want a taste of higher-level games without a large time or travel commitment.
The Post-Season director will email all families with an invitation to an open tryout. Attendance at the tryout session is not mandatory but is highly recommended. Post-Season committee members and selected coaches will be watching Core games and observing players as well. The committee will select players based on attitude, effort, coachability, performance, and family volunteer commitment to the Region. Spots depend on the number of qualified players and volunteer coaches available in each division.
All-Star is a bridge to Extra for the following year and a great way to experience competitive play with friends from Core.
AYSO’s advanced competitive league played during the fall against nearby AYSO regions. The pace is faster, the roster is smaller, and training is more focused. EXTRA teams proceed to play Post-Season at tournaments as well.
Players who consistently demonstrate technical skill, game understanding, work rate, and a commitment to training.
Open tryouts (typically spring). Players are selected for a Region 76 EXTRA Program team based on evaluations by impartial evaluators at standardized tryouts. Full participation in at least one tryout session is a requirement for selection. Players may choose to attend more than one tryout if offered.
2 trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. 5-9 Tournaments in Winter and Spring.
Greater Southern California area weekend games and Southern California Tournaments
EXTRA usually replaces the Core team for that season. Extra players MAY NOT play simultaneously in Core and MAY NOT play in another sport while participating on an EXTRA team.
EXTRA provides more advanced coaching and competition while fully aligned with AYSO’s philosophy and volunteer model.
AYSO’s “club-style” pathway for high-performing players seeking greater challenge, a longer calendar, and broader competition—while staying in the AYSO ecosystem.
Motivated, committed players and families ready for more training, more travel, and more events than EXTRA, with an eye toward sustained development.
Open tryouts and coach selection. Teams may play in club-oriented leagues and tournaments appropriate to level and age.
2 trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. State Cup in the Spring.
Wider SoCal travel footprint than EXTRA.
Higher financial commitment (league fees, events, uniforms, and travel).
Alliance sits between Extra and full-time club. It’s a strong step for players aspiring to the highest youth levels while remaining connected to AYSO culture.
AYSO’s national club program operated by AYSO United, with year-round training, licensed paid coaches, and competition in established club leagues and showcases.
Players targeting top-tier development environments, greater training volume, and the most competitive schedule AYSO offers.
Club tryouts run by AYSO United. Team placement, schedules, and fees are set by the club.
2+ trainings per week. League games in the Fall. Scheduled weekend scrimmages in Winter and Spring. State Cup in the Spring. Regional Travel and Showcases are expected.
Broader travel; highest financial commitment of the four options.
Professionalized environment within the AYSO family.
Families can transition from Region 76 (Core/All-Star/Extra/Alliance) into AYSO United when the player is ready for full club soccer.
Core → All-Star (Winter/Spring)
Standout Core players get a competitive post-season experience.
Core → Extra (Next Fall)
After Spring tryouts, players join an Extra team for higher-level Fall play.
Extra → Alliance
For players seeking a longer calendar, stronger competition, and more events—while still in AYSO.
Alliance → United (Club)
When a player is ready for full club commitment, AYSO United offers a year-round, professional club pathway.
Players can move up or across programs year-to-year based on readiness, family schedule, and interest. The “right” path is the one that keeps your player developing and loving the game.
All-Star: Perform well in Fall Core, be coachable, display positive attitude and effort. Parents should be volunteering to REFEREE. Selections are made near the end of the fall season.
Extra: Attend Spring open tryouts; watch Region communications for dates and age groups.
Alliance: Attend announced open tryouts; selection based on technical ability, tactical understanding, athletic qualities, and commitment.
United: You can reach out to united@ayso76.org if you would like more information about AYSO United for your team or your player.
Yes—All-Star happens after Core in Winter and Spring. Extra generally replaces Core for the Fall (division policies may vary). Alliance can be an alternative to Extra for families ready for a bigger commitment. United is a separate, full club program.
Yes! AYSO’s “Everyone Plays” principle applies across our competitive programs, while coaches manage minutes competitively. United uses club standards with coach-managed time.
Keep training, enjoy Core, consider post-season opportunities, clinics, and camps, and try again next cycle. Development is a journey.
Each program page lists current season details (tryout dates, coaches, expected costs, uniforms, and FAQs). When in doubt, contact your Division Director.
There’s no single “right” path. Choose the environment that fits your player’s personality, passion, schedule, and family logistics. If you’d like guidance, our coaching staff and Regional Board of Directors are happy to help you map out the next best step.
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