Frequently Asked Questions
How old must my child be in order to play?
A child must be 4 years old by August 15th in order to play soccer in the fall.
What age group will my child be in?
The cutoff date for all age groups is July 31st. For example, if your child has an August birthday and is 7 years old on July 31st, your child will play in the U8 (Under 8) age group. If your child is 8 years old on July 31st, he or she will be placed in the U10 (Under 10) age group.
What are the age groups?
The age groups or brackets are U5, U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19.
What is the cost per player?
The cost per player is $85.00. This includes a uniform (shirt, shorts, and socks), registration with AYSO National, supplemental accident insurance coverage, a team picture, a basic picture package, and a trophy. An additional portion of the fees goes to help pay for field rental, equipment, training classes, and communications. There are early registration discounts provided on the registration form.
Is $85.00 all I will have to pay?
No. AYSO Region 177 asks each player to sell (2) Unlimited Cards at $10.00 per card. This fundraiser helps the region to meet the costs of providing a fun and competitive program for all of the kids and families. The Unlimited Cards offer discounts at restaurants, stores, and other places of business in the community, are easy to use, and pay for themselves quickly. In addition, each team is asked to find a sponsor for $150.00. The amount can be contributed by one or more sponsors per team and is tax deductible.
Do I have to volunteer?
Yes. AYSO is made up entirely of volunteers from the community. There are several jobs at the team and region level; some of which include coaches, referees, team parents, event coordinators, and others. Training classes will be made available as the season draws nearer. The region has done everything possible to make these jobs as simple and enjoyable as possible so that the focus of the season remains on the kids.
When does the season start?
Practices can begin in August. Because this is a busy time of year for many families, including those of coaches, you may not hear from your coach until the third week in August. However, you will receive an update on your child's registration and team status during the first week of August. The first game is played on the second Saturday in September (the weekend following Labor Day).
Where are the practices and games?
Practices and games may be at any of the local parks or schools in our region. Once a practice and game site is set for your team, it normally will not change for the remainder of the season. Schools and parks that are used by our region include Cubberly, Stanford, Hill, and Rogers Middle Schools, as well as Stearns, Los Altos, Whaley, Marina Vista, and El Dorado Parks.
When are the practices and games?
Practices are normally twice a week on a Mon - Wed, or Tue - Thu schedule. Times have traditionally been from 4 - 5 pm, or 5 - 6 pm for younger players and 4:30-6:00pm, or 6:00-7:30pm for older players. All regular season games are on Saturdays and start times vary from 8 am to 4 pm.
What type of equipment will I need to purchase for my child?
You will need to purchase a pair of shinguards and soccer cleats for your child. Shinguards must be worn at all practices and games in order to help provide safety for the kids. Soccer cleats are different than baseball or football cleats and most sporting good stores will have several types to choose from.
What size soccer ball should I buy?
Please refer to the following chart:
Age Group |
Ball Size |
|---|---|
| U19, U16, U14 | 5 |
| U12, U10 | 4 |
| U8, U6, U5 | 3 |
How do I get my child onto a "good" team?
AYSO uses both a computer program and the experience of our coaches to make sure that all teams are balanced as much as possible. Each team should have an even mix of more experienced and less experienced players. This system benefits all of the families in the region while allowing the more experienced players to focus on leadership, strategy, and team play while allowing the less experienced players to gain a better understanding of the game and the skills necessary to succeed.
My child's best friend lives next door. Can they be on the same team?
Everyone has a friend or two that they would like to have on the same team and we realize that for younger kids this can be a big concern. With that in mind, we do try and put a first time player with a friend in the U6 and U5 age groups. However, we cannot guarantee that this will occur because of the number of kids involved and the priority of balanced teams.
How can I register?
You may download a registration packet from our website. Print the packet, complete, sign and return it (include proof of birthdate if new player) with a check for the registration fee to AYSO 177, P.O. Box 15243 Long Beach, CA. 90815. You can also check the website for onsite park registration days which are usually in May.
What if I have more questions?
If you have a more specific question please email the registrar.
Long Beach AYSO Region 177 is focused on providing a program that is competitive, fun, and fair. We expect parents to act as role models not only for their own child but for all children in the region. Derogatory comments aimed at players, coaches, or referees will not be tolerated and may result in a temporary or permanent suspension from the region.
