AYSO EXTRA Travel Program
Vision:
AYSO EXTRA is a travel soccer program designed for players who have the interest, skills and abilities and want to enhance their experience and individual growth through soccer while retaining the spirit of and organization membership in AYSO.
Mission:
AYSO EXTRA is designed to enhance AYSO’s primary program by recruiting and retaining players and volunteers through providing more competitive play the AYSO way – all EXTRA programs embrace the “Six Philosophies” of AYSO.
Players must be registered for AYSO’s primary program in order to be eligible to participate in AYSO EXTRA.
Answers to Common Questions
Q: How is Extra different than the primary AYSO program?
A: Extra is an extension of the primary AYSO program, intended to provide additional developmental opportunities for those willing to make the investment to get access to a deeper level of skill development and training. Participants should expect a more competitive level of play in the Extra league within Area 6D, where all Extra teams represent the “All Star” players from each region. Similar to the primary program, all players will receive balanced playing time and continued experience playing all positions on the field. Players will not receive preferential treatment for particular skills or playing time based on performance.
Q: How is Extra different from other club programs?
A: Extra teams are only intended to compete with nearby AYSO regional teams and as such are not registered with state youth soccer leagues. This affords AYSO the ability to ensure that the AYSO philosophies are being followed and that all players and volunteers have the opportunity to maintain and receive the benefits promoted through AYSO's mission. Currently, Extra teams play against other regions in the 6D area including Glenview, Winnetka-Glencoe, Skokie, Highland Park, Mundelein, Deerfield, Northside Chicago (Rogers Park) and Chicago-Lakefront.
Q: How will Extra teams be formed?
A: Extra teams will be formed by selecting players through open tryouts, with players rated by independent trainers and certified coach volunteers. Players are selected once each season for fall and spring competition and no spots are reserved from year to year.
Q: What is the time commitment for Extra players?
A: Extra players are members of two teams: their Saturday ("Core") team and their Sunday ("Extra") team. Players must play at least 50% of their Saturday ("Core") team games in order to be eligible to play in Extra matches. In addition, Extra players are expected to participate in weekly practice sessions with our paid trainers. Extra games are played on Sunday afternoons (usually 5:30 PM) during the fall and spring. Generally, half of these matches will be home and half will be away. Additionally, all Extra teams are invited to play in an annual championship tournament at the conclusion of the spring season.
Q: Is there a winter Extra program?
A: No. Extra players are free to participate in other winter activities.
Q: How is Extra coaching different?
A: Extra teams are coached by AYSO certified parent coaches and are supported by professional trainers throughout the year. All training organizations are approved by the Area Extra Director and offer high quality technical training and development. Trainers are expected to design and lead all practice sessions in collaboration with coaches and will remain with the team throughout the season. Trainers will also attend a number of matches to evaluate the team and player development over the course of the season.
Q: What’s required for Extra coach volunteers?
A: All Extra coaches must complete no less than 12U coaching certification, concussion training, and be AYSO Safe Haven approved. Extra coaches are chosen from approved AYSO volunteers and are expected to be among the most qualified AYSO coaches available. Extra coaches will enjoy the added benefit of working with a professional trainer for the season, which should add to their overall coaching skill development as a result.
Q: What age groups will have Extra teams?
A: We are planning to have Extra teams for the 10U and 12U age groups, with one boys and girls team at each level. Just like the primary program, 10U means players 9U & 10U combined and 12U means players 11U & 12U combined.
Q: How much does Extra cost?
A: There is no cost to try out for the Extra program. Players selected for an Extra team will pay a program fee of $325. This fee includes all practices, matches, playoffs, professional trainers, and coaches and uniforms. Transportation is not included for away games. Volunteer support is expected, as with all AYSO endeavors. The cost $325 is an addition to the player's SATURDAY Core program fee.