Introducing Kickstart: AYSO’s New Entry-Level Experience

Admin AYSO • April 9, 2026

Share this article

Laughter, movement, child-centered, and nonstop action.

Welcome to Kickstart!

AYSO’s new program for players ages 3–6 replaces Playground and Schoolyard with a simpler, more flexible experience built around what young children love most: movement, imagination, exploration, and play.

For 6U, instead of traditional teams and schedules, the Kickstart 6U option uses a fun jamboree-style format where children jump right into the action each week. There are no standings, no pressure, and no waiting around. With four small goals, live restarts, and game-like activities, every child stays active, involved, and smiling from start to finish.

Parents are part of the experience too, helping on the field, sharing in the fun, and creating the kind of welcoming, energetic environment that makes AYSO special.

Kickstart was shaped by a national U.S. Soccer research project involving AYSO and organizations from across the country, all working together to better understand what creates the best possible first soccer experience. The result is a program designed around what young children want and need most: joy, connection, confidence, and a love of the game.

To learn more about Kickstart and how your Region can bring it to life, please reach out to programs@ayso.org.

< Older Post

Recent Posts

Is Your Tournament, Playoff, or Postseason Competition Listed?

By Admin AYSO • November 15, 2025
Celebrating the Spirit of AYSO Sportsmanship From local tournaments and Area playoffs to Section championships, AYSO competition is where our players, coaches, and volunteers come together to celebrate teamwork, effort, and the joy of the game. These events represent the culmination of hard work and the true spirit of soccer — where every goal, save, […] The post Is Your Tournament, Playoff, or Postseason Competition Listed? appeared first on American Youth Soccer Organization.

AYSO Coach Store Super Stars

By Admin AYSO • November 15, 2025
Thank you for your incredible support! We are nearing 200 regions that have supported the Coach Store, which has generated almost $10,000 for the AYSO Playership Fund. This fund fuels opportunities and experiences for players across the country. Your purchases are more than transactions—they are investments in the future of playership and a testament to […] The post AYSO Coach Store Super Stars appeared first on American Youth Soccer Organization.

Regional Commissioner Training

By Admin AYSO • October 26, 2025
This past October 4th-5th, Sections 1, 10, 11 hosted 21 new Regional Commissioners for RC Training featuring opportunities to discuss and plan the AYSO Experience that best fits their Regions and communities. RCs also discussed strategies for recruiting, retaining volunteers, and staffing their Regional Boards in order to continue the tradition of AYSO programming that […] The post Regional Commissioner Training appeared first on American Youth Soccer Organization.

Submit Nominations for the National Board of Directors and National President

By Admin AYSO • October 24, 2025
At NAGM 2026 in Grapevine, TX, we will be electing four members to the National Board of Directors and a National President. There will be four open positions for a three-year term on the National Board, and one open position for the one-year term of the National President. Submit your nominations for the National Board […] The post Submit Nominations for the National Board of Directors and National President appeared first on American Youth Soccer Organization.
Load More News