If you’re new to AYSO this season, “balancing” teams is a lot like playground ball when two captains choose sides. Each side gets some kids of each playing level, good, medium and novice. Stronger players learn leadership and help their teammates. Less skilled kids learn from their stronger teammates. No dynasties develop, everyone plays, scores are rarely lopsided and everybody has fun.

Over 45 years, AYSO has found this same process is an excellent way to learn soccer.

Teams in AYSO are re-formed and balanced every year fall season. As players develop and new players join, the process also helps kids make new friends, experience different teammates and advance their soccer and social skills. With an AYSO-trained coach, every player learns new age-appropriate techniques and tactics throughout the season.

There are a variety of methods for creating balanced teams and AYSO Regions are given flexibility to choose the method that works best for them. Most of the methods work pretty well.