General Information
In which program should I register my child -- Core, EXTRA, EPIC, or Playground?
If you're not sure, it's probably Core you want. AYSO Core is the most common, recreation-level soccer program AYSO offers for children ages 4 - 18. Core is our primary program in the Fall season.
AYSO EPIC is a Special Needs program, for children and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
EXTRA™ is AYSO's advanced program that offers a higher level of competition and requires try-outs. Players must be invited to be on an EXTRA team. Additional fees and increased travel are associated with the EXTRA program.
Playground is a soccer-themed group adventure program for 3-year-olds where parents/guardians and their players explore fundamental motor skills together.
Why does my account only show the EPIC Special Needs program available for my player?
When your player is already registered in the Core (recreation level) program, it shows below your player's name. The account screen also shows you additional programs available in a big blue button that says "1 Program Available." That button is showing you programs that your player is not yet registered for.
If your player is NOT yet registered in Core, and EPIC shows as the only available program, it likely means you entered your player's year of birth incorrectly, and the system thinks they are an adult.
How do you determine in which age group a child will play?
NEW FOR 2026! AYSO divisions are based on school calendar (August 1st - July 31st). See Age Matrix on the main registration page.
I've registered my player. Now what?
Now you wait. After registration closes, we fill Head Coach vacancies and try to make sure every player can be placed on a team with a Head Coach. Coaches receive rosters in late July just prior to our Parent Meetings. Coaches will meet their players and parents at the Parent Meetings in late July. Practices typically begin in early-August. If you have not heard from any team by August 10th, please reach out to your Division Director - email address directory is on our Contact Us page.
How do I register for Spring?
In the Spring, we offer Spring Select and Winter / Spring Academies and Camps -- which are weekly practices plus Saturday scrimmages. See the Spring Soccer Page for more information.
Registration Questions?
We're here to help. You may find answers to most common registration questions here in our Registration FAQ. We also invite you to send your registration questions to our AYSO Region 154 Registrar at [email protected]
Teams & Requests
Can I request one or more teammates for my player?
At the friendly levels U5-U8, where scores and standings don't matter, we try to accommodate ONE teammate request per player. This is not guaranteed, but we do our best to honor one teammate request.
At the competitive levels, U10 and above, we do not accept any teammate requests, in order to create balanced and fair teams.
HOWEVER Head Coaches may choose their assistant coach and/or team parent and thus the player associated with the requested volunteer. This is permitted for all divisions levels (U5 - U19). If you would like to be a Head Coach in order to request a volunteer + teammate, please email the Division Director for your division.
Will siblings be placed on the same team?
Yes, if your players are in the same age group and are both registered under the same account, our Division Directors will put the players on the same team. (Although adding the name to the teammate request field at the time of registering will act as a safety net.) Sometimes we don't catch siblings -- so email your Division Director to let us know.
Can I request a Head Coach?
At U5-U8, if you want to be paired with a particular coach, then enter the player associated with that Coach in your teammate request box, when registering. At U10 and above, we do not allow Coach requests.
However, at all age levels, a Head Coach may request a volunteer (Assistant Coach and/or Team Manager) for their team roster. Talk to the coach you want to play with, and see if they have a volunteer for Assistant Coach or Team Manager yet.
The practice schedule my coach picked conflicts with my schedule. Can I switch teams?
Regrettably, Region 154 cannot make accommodations for your player due to scheduling conflicts. We still believe your players can enjoy the soccer experience even if they are only able to participate on game days. While this is not ideal, we give our volunteer coaches complete control over their practice schedule -- this is a benefit of volunteering as Head Coach. If you have conflicts on your calendar, perhaps next year consider becoming a head coach to set your own practice schedule.
Can my child "play down" in a younger age group?
No, per AYSO National Guidelines, players MAY NOT "play down" into a younger division. Players are assigned to divisions based on their year and month of birth. Review the Age Matrix.
As parents, we understand the challenge this presents to players born late in the year or those without much soccer exposure. That's why AYSO is the best fit for your young player! AYSO is structured to be recreational with a core focus on player development - we have new players at all levels. Having your child interact with his/her peers in a fun environment will allow your child to gain self-confidence and grow their skills regardless of experience level. One of AYSO's core philosophies is Everyone Plays... regardless of skill level or month of birth every child gets to play on the field and be encouraged to play their best.
Can my child "play up" in an older division?
Requests for an exception to the age guidelines will be handled on a case-by-case basis annually and considered in the context of what is in the best interest of both the specific child as well as those children affected by the exception. In the vast majority of cases, placement in an age division other than that recommended by AYSO's National Rules and Regulations, is strongly discouraged. Only under very limited circumstances will a player be considered for play up. Please contact your Division Director to discuss your player for consideration.
The Region will determine that the child is developmentally able to safely play and compete in the next division that season. Current approvals do not mean that future approvals will be granted. Children restricted by age from heading the ball will not be allowed to play up in a division where heading the ball is allowed.
Are there try-outs?
Our primary program is the Recreation level "Core" program in the Fall. There are never try-outs for Core teams. There are evaluations to assist the Region with Balanced Teams but any child who is registered is placed on a team. We do offer try-outs for our more competitive/advanced teams, like Cypress EXTRA teams and the All Star teams but we only hold those a couple times per year.
Season & Practices
When does the Fall season start and end?
Practices start around early-August. The practice schedule is requested by the coach -- typically younger divisions practice earlier in the afternoon and only once maybe twice per week, and older divisions practice at least twice per week in the later practice times. Games begin late August to early September. The U5-U14 season runs through November, with games played weekly -- usually Saturdays but occasionally Fridays. U16-U19 games are usually Saturday with occasional Friday or Sunday games. The U16-U19 "Upper" season must end before November due to CIF Rule 600 for high school athletes.
When and where are practices?
All practices are at Cypress area parks or schools. The field location as well as practice schedule is entirely up to the Head Coach and the Region Scheduler. We can't tell you when your team will practice. This is the best reason to volunteer as a head coach -- you guarantee a schedule that works for your family. Practices start in early-August. Coaches set their practice schedule to be once or twice per week, depending on the age group.
I haven't heard from my coach!
Coaches receive rosters in late July in coordination with the Parent Meetings. You will meet your coach at this meeting so it is important to attend. Most begin practicing the 1st or 2nd week in August.
In Region 154, if you've paid, then your player should be on a team with a Coach. We will email families if we do not yet have a coach for your player. But if you have not received such an email from the region, then it means your player has a coach. (No news, is good news.) If your player is on the waitlist (Upper Divisions), then you will not hear from a coach until we assign you to a team.
If you are NOT on the waitlist and have paid your registration, then you should meet your coach at the July Parent Meeting. If it is PAST the second week of August, and you have not heard from a coach, email the Division Director for your division.
We will strive to respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. (We are all volunteers, and answer these emails in between our "real" jobs.)
Please keep in mind our coaches are parents and family members just like you. So while we ask everyone to reach out to players, sometimes vacations, work trips, crazy family life, etc. draws their attention away from soccer. So when you reach out to them, go easy. Our coaches are volunteering time out of their busy schedule to help your player have a great soccer experience, so please treat them with respect.
Equipment & Fees
What's included in my fees?
Your fee includes: AYSO membership, uniform (jersey, shorts, socks for Core/EPIC/EXTRA™), photo package, and supplemental accident insurance. EPIC, Playground, and U5 - U8 players receive a participation trophy or medal.
What's not in my fees?
You will need appropriate athletic wear for practices. Cleats are recommended. Balls are helpful to your coach, but not required. (Size 3 for U5 - U8; Size 4 for U10 - U12; Size 5 for U14+) Always bring a water bottle. Your coach or team manager may ask parents to pay money to cover costs of a Team Banner, as well as team-items for the Picture Picnic Day such as a Silent Auction Basket.
What equipment does my player need?
Shin guards under socks are mandatory during practice and games. Socks must cover all parts of the shin guard. Full-coverage shoes are required, and it is advisable to use shoes designed specifically for soccer (e.g., soccer cleats). Baseball / football cleats are not permitted (those are typically ones with a single cleat at the very front of the shoe).
Balls are not required, but are recommended, especially so your player can practice on their own. (U6-U8 Size 3 ball; U10-U12 Size 4; U14+ Size 5)
Region 154 provides game-day jerseys, shorts, and socks to each player on a team, but players should have their own weather-appropriate clothes for practices. Players must wear their team-issued jersey and socks for games or the referee may not permit them to play.
Players should always have plenty of water available for both games and practices. Don't forget the sunscreen!
The following items are NOT PERMITTED: bracelets (metal or plastic), wristwatches, barrettes, necklaces, earrings, hard-hair accessories, or any other such object, including casts or splints, which could possibly cause injury to him/her or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS.
What is the AYSO Membership Fee? Or the Park Fee?
$25 of your registration fee goes to AYSO National. This is your AYSO Membership Fee for the year, which covers your player from August through July (the "soccer season"). Visit the AYSO National website for more information on the annual AYSO Membership Fee.
$20 of your registration fee goes to the City of Cypress parks and recreation, as a park usage fee. All families pay the Park Usage Fee. This is how the City of Cypress allocates field space for youth sports.
What is the AYSO membership fee? Do I have to pay it?
The AYSO National Membership Fee is a yearly non-refundable fee to play in AYSO. It goes directly to AYSO National and covers soccer accident insurance, annual subscription to PLAYSOCCER magazine, newsletters and special offers & discounts. It is not an optional fee and is non-refundable.
Policies & Volunteering
What is the Cancellation / Refund policy?
Please see the Cancellation / Refund Policy description on our registration page.
Return Check Policy
All returned checks will be charged a service fee of $25.00. Families with returned checks will not be permitted to participate in the program until the service fee plus the amount of the returned check are paid in full. The fee must be paid to the Treasurer with a Money Order or Cashier's Check. Players will be placed on a wait list until the fees are paid.
I'm ready to be a volunteer Coach!
Great. Visit our Coach Sign-up page! We have tons of resources to ensure you have a successful coaching experience.