The Extra program is a progressive player program designed to provide a higher level of soccer for players who have the interest, ability and commitment. It enhances each player’s experience and personal growth through soccer while preserving the spirit and membership of AYSO. Extra is not intended to replace the standard core AYSO program. Rather, its goal is to strengthen AYSO by retaining players and volunteers by offering more competitive play — all the while honoring AYSO’s Six Philosophies.
AYSO Extra is a competitive soccer program offered at the regional level for players wishing to take their game to a higher standard. Teams in the Extra program compete against other Regions throughout the Inland Empire and may also participate in tournaments across Southern California and neighboring states.
Tryout dates and times for the Extra program are posted on the Region’s Tryout page. Following the tryouts, teams are typically formed a few weeks later.
The Extra season usually begins in August and runs through January. Post-season play typically starts in January and can extend through May or June, depending on which tournaments a team chooses to enter.
Both Extra and club soccer programs target players with a strong desire and ability to play competitive soccer. However, Extra focuses on player development in a competitive—but not cut-throat—environment. A key feature of Extra is that every player will play at least half of each game, reflecting the belief that the game itself is the best teacher.
“The best teacher of the game of soccer is the game itself; guaranteed playing time is what makes AYSO Extra such a great program for young players.” – Tim Ward, Head Coach – Pepperdine University Women’s Soccer Team
All Extra coaches hold one of these certifications: AYSO Intermediate, AYSO Advanced or AYSO National. Some also hold U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) E-Licenses or equivalent NSCAA credentials. Coaches receive additional training and education to stay current, and professional trainers may be involved. Training sessions emphasize both technical and tactical development, including specialized training for goalkeepers.
The registration fee for the league portion of the Extra season is approximately $950. This covers uniforms, team swag, league games in the Fall, professional skills training, and one playoff tournament (if the team chooses to participate).
For comparison, most club programs cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per year, making AYSO Extra a high-value, development-focused alternative for competitive players.
When an Extra team advances to post-season play, there may be additional costs to cover tournament entry fees and other team-specific expenses as determined by the coaches. Any unused funds at the end of the season are returned to families.
Extra teams help manage costs through volunteer involvement: teams are responsible for volunteering several times during the year, which offsets expenses like tournaments or travel. Additionally, referees for home games and tournaments are provided in-house, reducing external costs.
Extra players are expected to demonstrate strong commitment to their team, coaches, and teammates.
Because AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, parent and family participation is essential.
There is no set limit on tournament participation, but most teams typically play 4-7 tournaments during the Winter and Spring.
The Extra season schedule is similar to the standard Fall and Spring seasons, with approximately 10–12 games per season. Most games are played on Saturdays, though occasional Sunday matches may be scheduled. The main difference is that Extra teams often travel to fields outside the Beverly Hills area, as games are played against other AYSO Regions across the greater Los Angeles area.
No. Extra teams are formed after the Spring season concludes and before the Fall season begins. Therefore, players should never have to choose between the Extra team and a regular Fall or Spring core team.
Unfortunately not. Because Extra teams require a higher level of commitment, it is difficult (and not permitted) for players to participate simultaneously on a Fall or Spring core team and an Extra team.
For questions about the Extra Program, you may contact the Region 76 Extra Coordinators via email at: extra@ayso76.org.
To stay informed and ensure you receive up-to-date information about Extra and upcoming tryouts, please subscribe to the Region’s mailing list through the “Subscribe” link on the website.
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