Fall & Spring Outdoor Soccer

The Core Program is our main player development program. It is the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields. AYSO is best known for our Core Program. It’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

There are six core values – or what we call AYSO’s Six Philosophies – that are the foundation of our Core Program, and all others: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development. These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

At AYSO, Everyone Plays means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kid plays at least half of every game. Learn more about AYSO’s Six Philosophies here.

There are no tryouts to join the Core Program. Teams are balanced so that playing soccer is about the experience, not wins or losses. It’s not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score. It’s about sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible teammate and opponent. Developing players is what we’re about because soccer skills and life skills go hand in hand. AYSO’s main purpose is to get kids on the field, provide them with trained volunteer coaches and teach them to play soccer.

The Core Program offered by AYSO Region 418 includes both Fall & Spring seasons and is offered to boys and girls beginning at the 4U age division. Games are played on Saturdays at the Chicago lakefront fields between Lawrence and Foster. Typically 9-10 games are played each season. Teams in the 7U and older divisions hold one practice per week. Teams stay together through both seasons under the direction of the same coach. Divisions 10U and up have a year-end SoccerFest tournament in the spring. 

We offer an optional Winter Indoor addition to the Core Program for players who want to keep playing through the winter season.