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Welcome to AYSO Region 2

6U

6U

6U is a time for freedom and EXPLORATION!  Let them Play!  Training should be based on fun games, adventures, storytelling, and colorful landscapes. Talk in their term and language.  Animate!  Paint vivid pictures!  Demonstrate!  Keep sessions moving or boredom will quickly creep in.

  • No Throw-ins
    • Players will not throw the ball in from the sideline. A 'pass-in' will be performed instead. A simple kick from the sideline.
    • All players must be at least two yards from the place of the pass-in.
    • Training for throw-ins shall not begin until 7U
  • No Headers
    • An IDK will be awarded to the opposing team for intentionally heading the ball
  • No Goalkeepers
    • All players shall compete up field.  The goal will remain unprotected by a keeper.

7U / 8U

7U and 8U

Fundamental motor skills (balance, walking, running, jumping, etc.) should be highlighted, and combined with ball control.  Players must maximize their contact with the ball, and most activities should be individual (ball per player).  Players need to develop ball familiarity, and PLAY!  Players at this age are egocentric, and for the first time have to build relationships with other players.  Give different responsibilities to players to develop a sense of team (cone helpers, break captains, time goalkeepers, etc.).  Prioritize FUN, and INSPIRE your players!

  • Optional Throw-ins
    • Players are permitted to take throw-ins from the sideline.
    • If the coach or player prefers, 'pass-in' may be performed instead. A simple kick from the sideline.
    • All players must be at least two yards from the place of the pass-in.
  • No Headers
    • An IDK will be awarded to the opposing team for intentionally heading the ball
  • No Goalkeepers
    • All players shall compete up field.  The goal will remain unprotected by a keeper.

10U

10U

This is the golden age for learning, and the perfect age to increase focus on specific techniques, and skills. It is the time for ADVENTURE!  Physically kids are still in the early stages of development.  Players enjoy the team concept but will participate enthusiastically in competitive arenas, so 1v1, and 2v1 situations are perfect to develop individual skills.  Passing techniques/activities will help develop their team concept

  • Goalkeeper - No punts, dropkicks or volleys
    • Distribute ball by rolling, throwing or kicking.
    • A deliberate punt, dropkick of volley will result in an IDK being awarded to the opposing team.
  •  Buildout Line
    • A new line on the field. Halfway between the outer edge of the penalty area and the halfway line.
    • All opposing players must drop behind the line when the keeper has possession of the ball.
    • As soon as the ball is returned into play, opposing players can cross the buildout line and attempt to gain possession.
    • Keeper does not have to wait until all opposing players are behind the line before distributing. Keeper's discretion.
    • Opposing players do not have to drop behind the buildout line for free kicks. They must only drop behind the line when the keeper is in possession.
  • Offside
    • The buildout line is now the boundary for defining a player in an offside position.
    • A player cannot be considered offside if they are in their own half of the field.
    • A player cannot be considered offside if they are in the opposing half and are between the halfway line and the buildout line.
    • A player can be offside if they are in their opponents half of the field and are between the buildout line and the goal line.
  • Headers
    • No intentionally heading the ball.
    • Deliberately heading the ball will result in an IDK being awarded to the opposing team.

12U

12U

Players have an increased understanding of strategy, and tactics so small-sided matches can help develop basic attacking and defensive principles.  Players should still rotate positions to avoid early specialization (as well as participate in other activities/sports).  Physical literacy (balancing, agility, speed, coordination, etc.) improves.  12U is the time for “polishing” the player’s technical skills

  • Goalkeeper - Punts, dropkicks and volleys are permitted.
    • Distribute ball by punt, dropkick, volley, rolling, throwing or kicking.
    • This is a reversal of the no-punting rule introduced in 2017.
    • Punting, dropkicking or volleying is no longer an offense.
  • Headers
    • No intentionally heading the ball.
    • Deliberately heading the ball will result in an IDK being awarded to the opposing team.

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PO Box 1144 
Monrovia, California 91017

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