Region 425 AYSO’s EXTRA (Travel) Program FAQ
2024-25 Season
What is “EXTRA”?
AYSO EXTRA is a travel soccer program providing progressive player development, designed for players who have the interest, skills and abilities and want to enhance their experience and individual growth through soccer while retaining the spirit of and organization membership in AYSO. AYSO’s EXTRA program is for 10U and 12U players. EXTRA includes an additional 90 minute weekly practice with professional trainers and an additional game on the weekends against EXTRA teams from nearby Regions. EXTRA teams participate in playoffs at the end of the spring.
Roster spots are limited and therefore Region 425 holds tryouts to select team members. Players who make the team are expected to attend EVERY practice and EVERY game. A full commitment is required, and players and parents must sign a commitment letter. If a player cannot fulfill the EXTRA commitment he/she will be asked to leave the program.
Do I still play Core AYSO? Yes, all EXTRA players are required to participate in the Core AYSO program for both games and practices. Players are required to make at least 50% of their Core AYSO team games. Required primary soccer includes one practice per week and one Saturday game. EXTRA is just that - EXTRA play!
When is the EXTRA season? The EXTRA season runs in the fall and spring. It typically starts a week before the regular outdoor season and concludes with playoffs starting on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
What are the age cutoffs? Just like the primary program, U10 means players U9 & U10 combined and U12 means players U11 & U12 combined.
10U Division: Rising third and fourth graders (fall 2024)
12U Division: Rising fifth and sixth graders (fall 2024)
Who coaches the EXTRA team? Certified volunteer parent coaches partner with professional coaches who assist with weekly practices and game evaluations. Volunteer coaches manage the games.
How many players are on a team? For U10, there are 10+1 players on a team. For U12, there are 12+2 players on a team.
Can I be on the same team as my friend? There are no player or coach requests. If there is more than one team in a division the teams are formed based on tryout evaluations only.
Can there be more than one team per division? Multiple teams may be created.
Who do we play against? Games are played against other teams in AYSO Area 6D. The other Regions in our Area are Deerfield, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Glenview, Evanston, Peterson Park, Rogers Park, and Chicago Lakefront. Not all these Regions will have EXTRA teams at each age level.
When are practices? Practices are on Mondays from 4:30-6:00 PM. Stipulated start of the Fall season: Late August.
When and where are the games? Games are on Sundays at either late afternoons. Games are either at home (in Region 425) or away at a neighboring Region.
What is the cost of the program? Cost of the program is $450. If your child makes the team, the non-refundable payment is due in full within two days of notice. If not paid, your slot will be offered to the next player on the list. This cost is in addition to the primary AYSO registration.
Who do I contact for more information?
Girls Extra Coordinator-Stephanie Nanney
Boys Extra Coordinator- Anne Babick
(extra@ayso425.org)
Bhanu Choudhary ([email protected])
Registration for CORE program: inleague.playsoccer.org
Extra program tryout process has concluded and teams have been formed. Please register for the Core program to be considered for any spots that become open during the season.