Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

AYSO Region 1631 - Downtown San Jose

Home
AYSO WiKi
Spring Season
- Youth Soccer
- EPIC Soccer (Athletes With Disabilities)
- Adult Co-ed Soccer
Summer Camp
Fall Season
Region Policies and Protocols
Contact
- FAQ
- Board Members
Calendar
Referees
Coaches
Parents

2023 Division Placement Information
All divisions are divided into two groups (boys and girls). Team sizes may vary when teams are formed depending on late drops and availability of coaches. AYSO policies do not permit us to have a player “play down” and age, not grade, determine your child’s division placement.

Division	Age Cut-Off Dates By Birth Year	Game Sizes	Min Team	Team Sizes
5/6U	2018	3v3	3	5-6
8U	2016 and 2017	5v5	4	7-8
10U	2014 and 2015	7v7	5	9-10
12U	2012 and 2013	9v9	6	12-13
14U	2010 and 2011	11v11	7	14-15

Play-Up Policy

Although AYSO National prefers that all players play in their age-appropriate division, they do allow regions the flexibility to have players “play-up” to an older division. AYSO National does not allow for players to “play-down” to a younger division.

Play-Up Requests

Play-up requests must be made to our Regional Commissioner for approval. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please email this request to our Regional Commissioner at [email protected] and include justification along with the child’s height, weight, relative speed and aggressiveness compared to his or her peers.

In general, a player’s past rating and other data will be looked at in order to make a determination along with possible contact with last year’s coach. At a minimum, the player needs to already be above average in the play-up division (well above average in their age-appropriate division) to be considered unless one of the parents volunteers to be head coach and their primary purpose for the play-up is to pair siblings on the same team.

Please note that we need to have an adequate number of head coach volunteers in the play-up division to accept the request for a play-up. The Region will not turn away a player in their correct age division as they have no other age-eligible options. This does not apply to players accepted to play up that also come with a Certified head coach volunteer in the play-up division.

Play-Down Policy

AYSO National defines which division a player should be assigned based on the child’s age on January 1st and this is the youngest division in which a child is eligible. AYSO National does not permit players to play-down to a younger division.

Team Formation

TEAM FORMATION

How are teams formed?

1) Teams are first formed by assigning the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Referee, Team Manager, and Board Member volunteers and their associated players.

2) Teams are then formed by Balancing Teams. In AYSO, teams are balanced to make playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. This way, we teach children about good sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible teammate and opponent. By focusing on player development over winning, AYSO is truly child-first and child-focused. This approach makes AYSO one of the finest player development programs dedicated to youth athletics and creating happy, healthy kids.

3) After we Balance Teams we then we try to match your player with a team that meets your coach, teammate, and schedule requests, but this is not guaranteed.

Remember: Practice Schedules are dependent on the Volunteer Head Coach and field availability.

Do you need volunteers?

Every family volunteers each season to make our program run smoothly and keep our program affordable for downtown SJ families! AYSO is a 100% volunteer-run organization. It only takes a few hours to become qualified as an introductory-level coach or referee. Most volunteer roles take only a few hours per month or less. You will be able to sign up for a volunteer role during registration or afterward. The following volunteer roles require a background check, which AYSO pays for at no cost to the volunteer: Head Coach, Referee, Board Member, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager.

Registration Costs and Discounts

What does the registration costs cover?

AYSO is a non-profit organization that is 100% volunteer run. Our prices reflect the current market that covers: field permits, team photos, medals, field equipment, coach equipment, referee equipment, volunteer training, insurance, and more.

Are there scholarships available?

There are 15 scholarships available. They are available on a first-come first-served basis for eligible families. Click here for the Google Form. Scholarships do not cover the cost of the uniform.

Are there any discounts available?

1. We want to encourage our AYSO families to register early with our $25 Early Bird Discount (ends December 31st 2023) so that we are able to plan a successful upcoming season. Discounts automatically apply at checkout, if applicable.
2. We love our AYSO Region 1631 community and want it to keep growing. For returning players we offer a $25 Returning Players discount. Discounts automatically apply at checkout, if applicable.
3. We also know that families look forward to having a sibling discount. We offer a $10 per Sibling Discount. Discounts automatically apply at checkout, if applicable.

Refund Policy: To request a refund, send an email to [email protected]. The refund will be made to the credit card that was used to pay the registration fee. No refunds after 12 noon on March 10, 2024.

Schedule and Rosters

5U/6U Division
Game and Practice: Sunday at Backesto Park for 75 minutes between 1-4PM
In this division we do not keep score or standings in either the Fall or Spring season. The game should be both instructional and fun. Parent participation strongly encouraged.

8U Division

Weekday Practice: 1x per week for 60 minutes

Sunday Game: 1x per week for 40 minutes

Roster: Games will be 4 per team on field; No goalkeepers.

In this age group we do not keep score or standings in either Fall or Spring season. Positive teaching and encouragement are extremely important in this division. Players at this age are beginning to understand the game and negative demands by parents or coaches will tend to discourage the players from wanting to continue playing soccer.

10U Division

Weekday Practice: 2x per week for 60 minutes

Saturday Game: 1x per week for 40 minutes

Roster: Games will be 7 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper.

12U Division

Weekday Practice: 2x per week for 90 minutes

Saturday Game: 1x per week for 60 minutes

Roster: Games will be 9 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper.

14U Division

Weekday Practice: 2x per week for 90 minutes

Saturday Game: 1x per week for 60 minutes

Roster: Games will be 11 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper.