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AYSO Carson City Region 140

Core Soccer for Older Players - Ages 8-15

AYSO "Core Program" for Older Players
Ages 5 (6u) through 18 (19u)

This is youth soccer at its Core and is open to all players ages 8 through 18. At these ages, as the players develop, we introduce increasingly advanced team tactics to recover the ball, advance the ball, and score. We continue to teach newer players proper techniques to kick, receive and move the ball around the field through dribbling, passing and shooting.

Games are designed to maximize ball touches and scoring opportunities at younger ages (studies have shown that kids who touch the ball more, who score more and who are more engaged, play soccer longer). Players progress from smaller, 10U fields with only 7 players on the field during games and 25 minutes halves, to full size fields with 11 players on the field and 40 minutes halves at 16U.

For some of the older divisions (12u and up), teams become harder to field as they require more players and less older kids sign up to play soccer.  For the 12u and up divisions, our region will do our best to find ways for the kids to play, including forming co-ed divisions and forming single teams who may play other region's single teams.  If you have questions about your child's division for the upcoming season, reach out and let us know! 

Coaches are required to play each player three quarters if possible, and no less than half the game (so your kid won’t sit the whole game on the bench - Everyone Plays!®).

Games and Practices

For Spring, teams are formed in mid April with games starting in late April through early June.  For Fall, teams are formed in August with games on the weekend before Labor Day through the end of October. In Fall, expect a call, text or email from your coach in August (be sure your contact information is up to date when you register your player).

We try to schedule eight games per team on Saturdays and weekday evenings (but mostly on Saturdays) followed by two or three games for the Carson City Region 140 Championship in the middle of October. Most games are played at Pete Livermore Sports Complex (Edmonds Field). However, some travel may be required for older divisions. The schedule is usually released about a week or two before the first game.

Practice times and locations are up to the coach’s discretion - so if you have a busy schedule and you’re not sure if you can get your player to practice at certain times, consider being a coach so you can decide. Coaches typically hold two practices per week beginning in early August.

Core Program Parent Expectations

Expectations on the Field

We want AYSO soccer fields to be a safe, friendly, happy, place for children to play. Therefore, we expect all parents, spectators and volunteers to abide by the AYSO Code of Conduct and the Kid Zone Guidelines. We encourage fans on the sidelines, and anyone else nearby, to use positive language, show good sportsmanship in their attitude and behavior, and to create a great experience for every player. Whether you are an official AYSO volunteer, or simply your child’s biggest fan, we want you to feel empowered to remind others who are not exhibiting positive behavior to do so.

All spectators will stay on one side of the field, opposite the coaches, at least one yard from the touchline (sideline). Spectators may not sit, stand or linger behind the goal line, with the exception of photographers, who must receive permission from the referee prior to the game. Photographers positioned behind the goal line may not cheer.

Expectations off the field

Parents, guardians, grandparents and other family members are integral to your child’s success. Players that kick the ball with their parents a few times per week outside of practice progress much more quickly than players that don’t.

After games, briefly emphasize the positive. If your player wants to talk more about the game, do so. However, try to avoid lengthy discussions about poor performance - generally, your child knows what went wrong and what can be improved - and if the player doesn’t know, then the player isn‘t ready to hear the criticism.

Volunteer for your Child!

AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. We can’t do this without you! We need coaches, referees and team parents to help out with each team. A team full of engaged parents makes a positive experience for the coach, which in turn, makes a better experience for your child. Here are ways you can help out!

Coach. Each team must have a coach. For this age, to be a coach you must be good with kids, pass a background check and take the on-line Safe Haven, CDC Concussion Awareness and division appropriate Training. Remember, if there’s no coach, your child can’t play. Here are five more reasons why you should coach:
  • The coach is the head cheerleader and it’s a lot of fun.
  • The coach gets to determine when and where practices are - plus, we do our best to schedule games around your busy schedule - it’s the perfect volunteer position for the busiest parents.
  • We provide easy, simple to understand training.
  • With the training we provide, coaching is relatively easy - and the younger kids have no idea that you don’t think you know what you are doing.
  • Finally, coaching is a great way to create lasting memories for your child!
Referee. Every team must have a referee. If there’s no referee, there's no game. Support your coach and be a referee. To be a referee you must pass a background check, take the on-line Safe Haven and CDC Concussion Awareness and take the Regional Referee Training.

Team Parent. The Team Parent organizes who brings snacks for the kids after each game and sometimes helps with communication with the rest of the team. The Team Parent may also be asked to organize the end of season party or help with managing the team for the end of year tournaments. The Team Parent should pass a background check and take the on-line Safe Haven and CDC Concussion Awareness Training.

Whether you are an official referee or team parent, or simply a player's parent, you can assist your coach to set up practice, move cones around the field, distribute pinnies, help the goalie put on goalie gear and more. It takes a village to raise a soccer player and your coach thanks you for your support!

Core Program Required Player Equipment

As a part of the registration fee, AYSO provides each player:
  • An AYSO uniform, which includes a jersey, shorts and socks; and
  • A size 4 or 5 soccer ball (size 4 for 10U and 12U players).
Coaches will distribute uniforms and balls. Players usually get their soccer balls at the first practice and the uniforms in the week prior to the first game.  Players should bring their soccer ball to every practice and game.

You must provide for every practice and game:
  • Shin guards;
  • Closed-toed running shoes, sneakers or cleats; and
  • Water or other hydration.
Soccer cleats are highly recommended, but players must wear closed-toed shoes. EACH PLAYER MUST WEAR SHIN GUARDS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES TO EACH PRACTICE AND GAME. PLAYERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY IF THEY ARE NOT WEARING SHIN GUARDS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES. Shin guards are worn UNDER the player’s soccer socks next to the skin. The socks must completely cover the shin guard.

The following are not allowed at any practice or game:
  • Splints or casts (hard or soft) of any kind; and
  • Earrings or other jewelry while playing - with or without tape or band-aids.
We recommend you refrain from piercing ears until the end of the season.

Player Development Initiatives

AYSO follows the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives (PDIs). The PDIs aim to create an environment for youth players to grow and develop their soccer abilities. The most notable PDI includes small-sided game standards. Small-sided standards are regulations for youth games played with less than eleven players on each team that include field and ball size, game length and special rules. Fewer players on the field will allow players to be more involved and provide more opportunity for development.

The PDIs are designed to shift the focus of youth soccer from results based to individual player development. Tasked with advancing the sport at all levels, these initiatives have been implemented to create uniform standards with the primary consideration extended to the individual player at each age level based on their developmental needs.

The following rules apply to 6U:
  • 10 minute halves
  • Size 3 ball
  • 4-6 players per team; 4 on the field (4v4)
  • Goalkeeping is not allowed
The following rules apply to 8U:
  • 20 minute halves
  • Size 3 ball
  • 4-6 players per team; 4 on the field (4v4)
  • Goalkeeping is not allowed
The following rules apply to 10U:
  • 25 minute halves, 12 minute quarters (may be shortened if weather demands)
  • Size 4 ball
  • 8-10 players per team; 7 on the field (7v7)
  • Heading the ball is not allowed
  • Any individual goalkeepers shall only play 2 quarters per game
  • Goalkeeper shall not punt or drop kick the ball
  • Opposing team must move behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession
  • Offside starts at the build-out line; a player between the midfield line and build-out line is never in an offside position
The following rules apply to 12U:
  • 30 minute halves, 15 minute quarters (may be shortened if weather demands)
  • Size 4 ball
  • 10-12 players per team; 9 on the field (9v9)
  • Goalkeepers may punt the ball
  • Any individual goalkeepers shall only play 2 quarters per game 
  • Heading the ball is not allowed
The following rules apply to 14U:
  • 35 minute halves
  • Size 5 ball
  • 12-15 players per team; 11 on the field (11v11)
  • Heading for players in 14U is limited to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers, per player. There is no restriction on heading in matches
The following rules apply to 16U:
  • 40 minute halves
  • Size 5 ball
  • 12-18 players per team; 11 on the field (11v11)
All AYSO matches shall be conducted in accordance with the current AYSO National Rules & Regulations, the current FIFA Laws of the Game, decisions of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in effect on August 1 each calendar year and the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives.

Registration

This program is open to any player that meets the applicable age requirements. Generally, registration is open beginning in May for fall season. Registration closes as divisions fill up, but no later than the first game.

Please go to our registration webpage for more details.

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AYSO Carson City, NV Region 140

PO Box 512 
Carson City, Nevada 89702

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