Playground & SchoolYard Programs 2026 – Early Soccer Development
A Fun First Step Into Soccer
AYSO Playground and SchoolYard programs are designed to introduce young children to soccer in a fun, supportive, and age-appropriate environment. These programs focus on building fundamental motor skills, confidence, and a love for the game through engaging activities and guided play.
IMPORTANT: 2026–27 Age Group Changes
Starting in the 2026-27 season, AYSO will determine age groups using a seasonal year (August 1 – July 31) instead of a calendar year (read the announcement). This change aligns with other youth soccer organizations and helps players stay with classmates and friends.
Program Details for Playground and SchoolYard:
- Ages: The SchoolYard program is open to players born between August 1, 2021 and July 31 2022. The Playground program is open to players born between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023. (see age chart above)
- AYSO SchoolYard (4-year-olds): This developmentally appropriate program introduces soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throw-ins in a fun, low-pressure setting while still perfecting fundamental motor skills. It transitions into 3v3 gameplay to ease children into the game without a focus on winning. No teams are formed.
- AYSO Playground (3-year-olds): Designed to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians. No teams are formed.
- Practices: This program is led by trained coaches who work with volunteer assistant coaches. Eight weekly weekend sessions begin in early September, with the field location finalized in mid-August. Your child will be provided a t-shirt at their first scheduled training session.
Registration Fees for Playground and SchoolYard:
PHMSA Registration Fee: $100
Covers the shared cost of the league, including uniforms, field costs, awards, coach/referee training, insurance, and equipment.
AYSO National Fee: $25
Charged by AYSO for each player every Membership Year. This fee is nonrefundable.
Credit Card Processing Fee: $3.50
Charged per transaction to cover the cost of credit card processing. This fee is nonrefundable.
TOTAL COST (Playground & SchoolYard): $128.50
Refund Policy
- The PHMSA Registration Fee will be refunded in full for all requests made through June 30.
- 50% of the PHMSA Registration Fee will be refunded for requests made from July 1 through August 15.
- No refunds will be given for any requests made after August 15.
- The AYSO National Fee ($25) and the Credit Card Processing Fee ($3.50) are nonrefundable.
Questions?
Visit our FAQ Page or email us at [email protected]