AYSO Playground and Schoolyard Program 

What is Region 112’s AYSO Playground and Schoolyard Program?

Playground and Schoolyard are unique programs designed to develop children by focusing on improving a child's Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) in a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utilizing age-appropriate activities. These programs were designed by child development and soccer experts to give your child a foundation for sports success. Your player will hop, skip, jump, run, throw, balance, kick...and play.  The Region 112 program is a combined Playground and Schoolyard program lasting 8 weeks.

How is the AYSO Playground and Schoolyard Program structured?

The program is designed for 4 & 5-year-old players.  
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS MANDATORY.  
Each player will have a parent (or another adult) working with them on the field to help guide them within each activity.
Sessions are led by a “Playground Leader” who will introduce and explain a game/activity that will apply to a certain fundamental motor skill or technical skill.

How long are the AYSO Playground and Schoolyard sessions?

Region 112 hosts a combined Program lasting 8 weeks. 
The sessions should be no more than 60 minutes at a time (including rests and breaks).

Is there competition in the AYSO Playground and Schoolyard Program?

Playground is NOT the world’s cutest soccer game! Don't expect 60 minutes of soccer games. This program is heavy on motor skills development and light on competitive soccer. Let your little one learn the beautiful game the right way.

What are Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS)?

Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS):
• Locomotor (i.e., running, hopping, skipping, etc.)
• Non-locomotor (i.e., balancing and twisting, etc.)
• Object Control (i.e., catching and throwing, kicking, etc.)
• Children should be exposed to a wide base of FMS in their early years to provide a solid foundation for future movement activities and sports. If we miss this important window of opportunity, their development and opportunity can be hindered.

FMS Hierarchy:
• Walking before running
• Balancing before twisting and rotating
• Rolling a ball before underarm throwing a ball
• Stopping a rolling ball before catching a ball
• Jumping before skipping

Translating this to Soccer:
• A child needs to be able to stand on one foot to kick or control a ball
• Children who can underarm throw have more success in facing a target, knowing the release points, following through and recognizing ball flight. All key skills in passing.
• Twisting and rotating is needed when dribbling, especially when passing and taking on an opponent.
• When catching, a child learns to track the flight of a ball. A key component for trapping a ball.

Questions?

Additional information may be obtained by contacting our Playground and Schoolyard Coordinator:

Lizzy Pulver
Playground and Schoolyard Coordinator
626-475-7222
[email protected]


The Official ASYO manuals can be downloaded below:
Playground Manual
Schoolyard Manual