AYSO418 EXTRA Travel Soccer Program

AYSO EXTRA is an interregional AYSO travel soccer program providing progressive player development for players who have the interest, skills and abilities and want to enhance their soccer experience and individual growth. 

The EXTRA program enhances AYSO’s primary Core Program by providing more competitive play, within an AYSO travel league. All EXTRA players are required to be concurrently registered for and participating in the Core Program. This gives players more playing time, more training experiences, more touches on the ball, and involvement in two teams within Region 418.

Teams are coached by certified volunteer coaches. Two parent volunteers will be needed to coach each team. Volunteer coaches must be certified by AYSO at the 10U and 12U levels.

AYSO Region 418's EXTRA teams compete against other AYSO EXTRA teams from neighboring regions within AYSO Section 6. We currently have boys' and girls' teams in the 10U and 12U divisions. Teams are coached by parent volunteers.

Placement on an EXTRA team is by invitation only. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following Fall-Spring membership year, in combination with our Northwind SC tryouts. Registration for tryouts is required. 

Still have questions? Contact the AYSO Region 418 EXTRA Program Director at [email protected].

When are EXTRA Tryouts?

EXTRA tryouts are typically in the spring in combination with the Northwind SC tryouts. For the latest information, see Tryout Information

How Does a Child Qualify to Play for AYSO EXTRA?

• Tryouts: Players must attend tryouts and be selected for the team.
• Genders: The leagues are not co-ed. Boys and girls will have separate teams.
• Ages: We offer 10U and 12U teams for both boys and girls.
• 10U: Players born between 9/1/2015 and 8/31/2017.
• 12U: Players born between 9/1/2013 and 8/31/2015.
• Other: Players must participate in both the Core program and the EXTRA program, or both EXTRA and Northwind SC. Players cannot participate in only the EXTRA program—think of it as a supplemental experience to one of the other two programs.

What’s different about the EXTRA travel league?

EXTRA Travel teams represent regional AYSO programs and play only against other EXTRA teams from nearby AYSO regions. Currently, EXTRA teams play against regions in the AYSO 6D area including such cities as Lake Forest, Glenview, Grayslake, Winnetka/Glencoe, Skokie, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Rogers Park.

How will EXTRA teams be formed?

EXTRA teams will be formed by selecting players through open tryouts, with players rated by independent trainers and certified coach volunteers. Players are selected once each season for fall and spring competition and no spots are reserved from year to year. Tryouts are typically held in the spring, in combination with the Northwind SC tryouts.

What is the time commitment for EXTRA players?

EXTRA players are expected to participate in one practice per week of approximately 1.5 hours, in addition to practices conducted by their Core Program teams. All EXTRA players are required to be concurrently enrolled in the Core Program. Core Program games will be scheduled for Saturdays during the fall and spring seasons. EXTRA teams typically play a travel soccer match during the fall and spring seasons on Sunday afternoons. Generally, half of these matches will be home or away. Additionally, EXTRA teams are invited to play in an EXTRA Playoff Tournament at the conclusion of the spring season. 

Is there a winter EXTRA program?

No. EXTRA players are free to participate in other winter activities, including AYSO’s Winter Indoor soccer program.

How is EXTRA coaching different?

EXTRA teams are coached by AYSO certified parent coaches and are supported by professional trainers throughout the year. All training organizations are approved by the AYSO Area 6D Extra Director and offer high quality technical training and development. Trainers are expected to design and lead all practice sessions in collaboration with coaches and will remain with the team throughout the season. Trainers will also attend a number of matches to evaluate the team and player development over the course of the season

What’s required for EXTRA coach volunteers?

All EXTRA coaches must complete the appropriate AYSO coaching certification or be US Soccer cross-certified at the equivalent levels, concussion training and be AYSO Safe Haven approved. EXTRA coaches are chosen from approved AYSO volunteers and are expected to be among the most qualified AYSO coaches available. EXTRA coaches will enjoy the added benefit of working with a professional trainer for the season, which should add to their overall coaching skill development as a result.

How is EXTRA different than the primary AYSO Core Program?

EXTRA travel soccer is an extension to the primary AYSO Core Program, intended to provide additional developmental opportunities for those willing to make the investment to get access to a deeper level of skill development and training. Participants should expect a more competitive level of play in the EXTRA league within Area 6D, where all EXTRA teams represent the “All Star” players from each region. Similar to the Core Program, all players will receive a minimum of 50% playing time and continued experience playing all positions on the field. Players will not receive preferential treatment for particular skills or playing time based on performance. All AYSO rotational rules will be followed.

How is EXTRA different from other club programs?

EXTRA teams are only intended to compete with nearby AYSO regional teams and as such are not registered with state youth soccer leagues such as Illinois Women’s Soccer League and Young Sportsmen's Soccer League. This affords AYSO the ability to ensure that the AYSO Philosophies are being followed and that all players and volunteers have the opportunity to maintain and receive the benefits promoted through AYSO's mission. Rules of play for EXTRA matches are governed by the same rules that apply for the primary AYSO Core Program. 

How much does EXTRA cost?

The cost for the AYSO EXTRA program is approximately $500 per year, covering both the fall and spring seasons. This fee includes field usage, referees, coaches, and uniforms.