Programs Offered in Our Region

Core

The Core program is the "bread and butter" of AYSO nationally as well as here in Sterling Heights, Region 190. It is a fully-developed recreational league experience governed by our six philosophies. The majority of our players are registered in our Core program in a division appropriate to their age, determined by birth year. With the exception of the youngest ("6U") and oldest ("19U") divisions, each division encapsulates two birth years.

In our Core program, players are assigned to a team (8U and above) with a head coach for the entire year. The year is divided into two seasons, fall and spring, where they will play 10 games each. Coaches will schedule practices at times and places as they see fit, usually one per week. Visit our Birth Year Guide page for a breakdown of what ages play in each division.

The 6U division is a "Jamboree" division (no assigned head coach) designed to ease the youngest core players into gameplay in their first year of Core, ensuring the development of technical skills and learning to play the beautiful game in fun, less competitive setting.

The 19U division for high school aged players allows our oldest and most dedicated youth players to play in a highly competitive yet fun, fair and safe environment. Most away games will be played in neighboring communities against AYSO teams in other regions. This program understands that adolescent players often have many other activities and sports competing for their time and attention. The19U division allows them to maintain soccer as an important part of that busy life.

Visit our Core page for a more detailed description of the Core program and divisions.

Introduction to Soccer

Our Introduction to Soccer program is delivered in the AYSO Playground! program format. Sometimes referred to as "5U", the Introduction to Soccer program is intended to make kids first introduction to the game fun and exciting. Our youngest kids don't really understand competition at this point so this program makes sure they develop skills and confidence prior to the pressure of competitive games. Parents (or adult guardians) participate with their kids to help ease them into independent gameplay.

Visit our Introduction to Soccer page for a more detailed description of the Introduction to Soccer program.

EPIC

(Everyone Plays In our Community) for people with special needs

Everyone Plays® is AYSO's trademark and, more than that, we believe it. The EPIC program provides anyone of any age a way to experience soccer on their own terms regardless of disability. The EPIC program is divided into two divisions - Juniors, modeled after the AYSO Playground! program and Seniors, modeled after the Core program.

Visit our EPIC page for a more detailed description of the EPIC program.

AYSO Play! (coming soon)

Check back soon for more information on this exciting new program.