FAQs for the Extra ProgramQ: 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 players interested in greater competition and more focused skill development and training. Participants should expect a competitive level of play in the Extra league, where all Extra teams represent the best players from each region. Extra teams also play in very competitive tournaments, representing La Verne/San Dimas against teams from all over Southern California.
Q: How will Extra teams be formed?
A: Extra teams will be formed by selecting players through open tryouts, with players rated by independent board members and certified coach volunteers. Players are selected once each season for fall and spring competition and no spots are reserved from year to year. Our offerings are based on whether we received applications from qualified coaches.
Ultimately, we decide which teams to build in any given year based on the results of the tryouts. We will try to form teams that are competitive and have a solid core of volunteer parents.
Q: What is the time commitment for Extra players?
A: Extra is a significant commitment for players. Players commit to their Extra teams for the whole year, from August to the following June. It's a hardship for teams to lose a player in the middle of the season, as it's often not possible to replace them. As a result, Extra players are not permitted to participate in AYSO's primary programs and are not permitted to participate in club soccer. We expect their teams to be Extra players' primary sports activity.
Extra players are expected to participate in two practices per week of approximately 1.5 hours. Extra teams typically play a league game each Saturday starting in late August or early September and continuing to early December. Extra teams also play in Winter and Spring leagues and tournaments. The coaches and parents on individual teams decide where and how much soccer to play once the Fall Extra League is over.
Q: What is the Season Game Schedule Like for EXTRA?
The game schedule is very similar to that of teams in the regular program with 10 games per season, usually on Saturdays. The only difference is that EXTRA teams play half of their games in Chino Hills, and the other half in regions around the Inland Empire, Orange and LA County (associated with AYSO Sections 1, 10, and 11).
Q: What’s required for Extra coach volunteers?
A: Extra coaches must complete the coaching certification appropriate for their team's division, concussion training, and AYSO Safe Haven certification. Extra coaches are chosen from approved AYSO volunteers and are expected to be among the most qualified AYSO coaches. They are also committed to AYSO's 6 Philosophies - Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development.
Q: How is Extra different from club programs?
A: All players play at least fifty percent of every game. Players don't compete for playing time and don't ride the bench in the interest of winning. When AYSO says Everyone Plays, we mean what we say! And though we take our soccer seriously, we place a strong emphasis on having fun and player development.
Also important, AYSO Extra is significantly less expensive than club teams.
Q: What age groups will have Extra teams?
A: In 2025-26, we expect to hold tryouts for U10 to U14 for both boys and girls. We may expand or decrease our offerings based on the interest of coaches and players.
Q: How Many Tournaments do EXTRA Teams Participate In?
A: There is no limit, but most teams play between 6-8 tournaments in Spring from January through June. Some EXTRA teams may choose to play Fall tournaments as well.