AYSO Alliance Program – Frequently Asked Questions
We’re excited to offer the AYSO Alliance program as a competitive pathway for our
motivated players. Below are answers to common questions from families.
Q1: What is the AYSO Alliance program?
A: AYSO Alliance is a tryout-based club competitive program for players born in 2017 or older who want a higher level of competition while staying within the AYSO family. Teams train and compete in external club leagues and tournaments against other club and Alliance teams. It combines AYSO’s core philosophies — including Everyone Plays® (minimum 50% playing time per game) — positive coaching, volunteer model, and
supportive environment with more challenging games and skill development.
Q2: Why is our region offering the Alliance program?
A: We want to provide a clear development pathway for talented and motivated players
who are ready for more competitive play. This helps retain our more skilled players within
AYSO, offers a more affordable alternative to other club soccer programs, and supports
long-term player growth without families having to leave our community.
Q3: How many teams will there be?
A: We expect to field between 5 and 7 teams this season. We expect to invite players
within the following age groups (but will not have teams for each individual year, so some
players may be invited to “play-up” to a higher age group in order to participate):
Boys Age Groups:
• 2014–2015 (U12)
• 2015–2016 (U11)
• 2016–2017 (U10)
Girls Age Groups:
• 2011–2012 (U15)
• 2012–2013 (U14)
• 2013–2014 (U13)
• 2014–2015 (U12)
• 2015–2016 (U11)
• 2016–2017 (U10)
The age groups offered are based on preliminary qualified player and coach interest.
Q4: How many kids will be on each team?
A: To ensure meaningful playing time and compliance with AYSO’s Everyone Plays® policy
(minimum 50% playing time), we set the following maximum roster sizes (tighter than
some league maximums):
Age Group Format Maximum Roster Size
U10 7v7 12 players
U12 9v9 16 players
U13–U19 11v11 18 players
We typically aim for the following target roster sizes to maximize field time: 10 players for
U10, 12 players for U12, and 16 players for U13–U19.
Q5: What league will the teams play in?
A: Alliance teams will compete in the Coast Soccer League (CSL), one of the well-
established competitive youth soccer leagues in our area. Players must be dual-registered
with both AYSO and Cal South (more information on Cal South registration will be provided
to players who accept a coach’s Alliance invitation).
Q6: How far will the teams travel?
A: Home games and all practices will be held at Conejo Creek South Park in Thousand
Oaks. Away games will be at the opponent’s home fields. We anticipate most travel will be
in the Rancho Conejo / Ventura County areas, though exact locations will depend on how
the Coast Soccer League groups the teams each season. Travel is generally local/regional
and manageable for families.
Q7: Are games only on weekends?
A: Yes — all league games will be scheduled on weekends only. Practices will typically be
held during the week (evenings), with the exact schedule set by each team’s coaching staff.
Home games and practices will be held at Conejo Creek South Park in Thousand Oaks.
Q8: What are the program costs?
A: The cost to participate in the Alliance program is $750. This is significantly lower than
most traditional club soccer options and includes uniforms (a cost that is usually charged
separately in club programs). This fee covers AYSO registration, Cal South registration,
Coast Soccer League fees, uniforms, and other program costs. $0 is shown as a
placeholder until a player is officially accepted. Families pay nothing when signing up for
tryouts. Payment is only required if your child receives and accepts a coach’s invitation to
join a team.
Q9: What are the team staffing requirements?
A: Each Alliance team must have:
• One Head Coach
• At least one Assistant Coach
• One Team Manager (required)
• An Assistant Team Manager (strongly encouraged)
• 1 or 2 volunteer referees (required) – to volunteer and “give back” to our AYSO
Region 9 Core program
These team roles typically come from volunteers within the players’ families, and coaches
will be required to help fill these roles as they complete their team. Appropriate training
will be provided. We strongly encourage families to volunteer during the registration
process. All coaches and managers must complete AYSO Safe Haven, Risk Management, and
required certifications (including U.S. Soccer / Cal South / CSL licensing). They must also
sign a Coach Alliance Agreement.
Q10: What is the commitment period and season schedule?
A: Players who accept an invitation to Alliance are committing to participate in the program
starting immediately, with practices likely starting in May to prep for the upcoming fall
season. The Alliance program is year-round, and practice schedules are typically much
lighter or even paused over the summer and other typical school breaks. The actual
schedule is set by the team's coaching staff. Teams will participate in the CSL fall season,
which will likely run from the end of August and conclude in November or December. At
that point, teams will continue to train for tournaments and the Cal South State Cup, which
usually takes place in February and could be held over multiple weekends depending on
each team’s success in the tournament.
Q11: Can my child still play in other recreational sports if they make an Alliance team?
A: Yes, it is perfectly fine for Alliance players to be multi-sport athletes throughout the year.
However, our expectation is that Alliance will take precedence over other recreational
leagues in the fall and winter through the end of the Fall season and State Cup. Note that
participation in any other club soccer program (outside of Alliance) is not permitted.
Q12: What volunteer requirements are there?
A: Alliance teams are expected to “give back” to the hosting region by fulfilling volunteer
hours or tasks (e.g., helping with Core programs, refereeing, or other support). Specific
requirements will be communicated by the region. This helps offset the extra resources
needed to run the Alliance program.
Q13: Are there additional costs beyond the $750?
A: The $750 covers core registration, league fees, and uniforms. Families should budget for:
• Cleats, shin guards, socks, and personal equipment
• Club referee fees (paid in cash by the team on game day — exact amounts are
posted on the CSL website and prorated by attendance)
• Optional tournaments, supplemental training, or team events
All team funds must be managed through the region’s account — no separate team
accounts are allowed. Fundraising requires prior approval.
Q14: What if my child tries out but is not selected for Alliance?
A: They can continue seamlessly with the AYSO Core program. We encourage all players to
register for Core in the meantime — Core registration fees will transfer if they later join
Alliance. If not selected, players may also choose to play in Core without issue.
Q15: Who coaches the Alliance teams and how are they selected?
A: We only invite and accept our most experienced and skilled coaches to be Alliance
coaches. These coaches must have demonstrated experience in coaching in competitive
environments while demonstrating and leading with AYSO’s principles. All coaches will be
US Soccer certified. New coaches submit a Coach Application. The program emphasizes
positive coaching and AYSO’s philosophies.
Q16: Who should I contact with more questions?
A: Please reach out to the Alliance Coordinators at [email protected]. We’re happy to
help!
Thank you for your interest in the AYSO Alliance program. We look forward to seeing many of our talented players take this next step in their soccer journey while staying true to AYSO’s values!
Main Alliance Info sheet
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