Soccer is Universal and Natural
You can set a soccer ball down on any corner in the world and have friends. It is a global sport that Americans have embraced in record numbers... because it's fun even with a beginner's skill. It's also a game you can play and enjoy for the rest of your life. Under-5 soccer is one of the fastest growing levels in America.
With children's natural joy in running and kicking, soccer builds on these two skills and adds techniques to control the ball and work as a team. It also encourages creative decision making and strategic thinking. It's a fast game that keeps each player moving the entire time.
Everyone Plays®
In AYSO there's no spending a game on the bench! Palo Alto AYSO policy is that every player is in for at least three quarters.
AYSO has age appropriate small-sided games as well as full-sized games. A full size soccer team has 11 players on the field. But smaller-sided teams for younger children allow more touches on the ball and a more successful soccer learning environment.
AYSO small-sided games emulate classic "street soccer" where children of many skill levels choose up teams and play together for a fun neighborhood game. This is a similar environment to where many of the greatest soccer players in the world developed their skills.