AYSO Core Program – Youth Soccer in Atlanta

Welcome to the AYSO Core Program—Atlanta’s home for safe, fun, and inclusive youth soccer! If you’re searching for the best place for your child to learn, play, and grow through soccer, the Core program from AYSO Atlanta Region 1612 is the perfect starting point.

What is the AYSO Core Program?

The AYSO Core Program is Atlanta’s leading youth soccer league for kids ages 3–14. Our Core program delivers a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities can experience the fun and excitement of soccer.

AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) is a proud member of the US Soccer Federation and is nationally recognized for its commitment to child development, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. The Core program embodies these values and is open to all children in Atlanta and the surrounding communities, with no tryouts or cuts—everyone is welcome!

Why Choose AYSO Core for Kids Soccer in Atlanta?

• Open Registration: All-Inclusive Youth Soccer. Open registration means any child—regardless of skill or experience—can join and play. Our program is perfect for beginners, as well as returning players seeking a fun and supportive soccer league in Atlanta.

• Everybody Plays: Guaranteed Playing Time. In every game, every player is guaranteed to play at least half the match. We want every child to participate, learn, and have fun!

• Balanced Teams: Balanced and Fair Teams. Teams are carefully formed to create an enjoyable, level playing field and competitive games. Our Balanced Teams philosophy ensures your child will develop skills and make new friends in a positive atmosphere.

• Player Development: Focus on Development. Our volunteer coaches are trained to emphasize player development, confidence-building, and teamwork over winning at all costs. We encourage players to try different positions, learn the game, and build healthy self-esteem.

• Positive Coaching: We believe that positive coaching is key to a great experience. Our certified coaches use encouragement and constructive feedback to help each child reach their potential, both on and off the field.

• Good Sportsmanship: Respect, integrity, and fair play are at the core of every game and practice. We teach kids to respect their teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees.

Who Can Play?

The AYSO Core Program is designed for boys and girls ages 3 to 14 across all Atlanta neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Children are placed in age-appropriate divisions, from 3 For Free for the youngest players, through U5, U6, U8, U10, U12, and U14, divisions.

What’s Included in Registration?

When you register your child for youth soccer with AYSO Atlanta Region 1612, your registration fee covers:

• A complete soccer uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks)

• Supplemental accident insurance

• Team and individual photos

• End-of-season awards

• All scheduled league games and practices

• Access to special events like the Soccer Jamboree

Parents will need to provide soccer cleats/sneakers, shin guards, a properly sized soccer ball (size varies by age), and a water bottle.

Season Structure

Our Fall and Spring soccer seasons offer families flexibility and plenty of opportunities to play. Practices are typically held once or twice a week depending on division, with games scheduled on weekends at convenient Atlanta-area soccer fields. The season includes skill-building, teamwork, and plenty of fun!

• 3U, 5U, and 6U: Practice and games on Saturdays (single session each week)

• 8U: One practice per week, one game on the weekend

• 10U and older: Two practices per week, one game per week

How Are Teams Formed?

AYSO’s Balanced Teams approach means player ratings and evaluations from prior seasons are used to help create evenly matched teams. We consider coach and player availability for practice days but cannot guarantee specific requests. Please note that requests for specific teammates or coaches are not accommodated, except for siblings in the same age division and children of head/assistant coaches.

Volunteer-Based Community Soccer

The AYSO Core program is powered by dedicated parent volunteers—coaches, referees, team managers, and board members—who help create a safe, fun, and inclusive soccer experience for every child. No soccer experience is required to get involved; we provide all necessary training and support!

What Makes AYSO Core Stand Out?

• Over 60 years of national soccer leadership

• Consistently ranked as a top youth sports league for fun, safety, and inclusion

• Thousands of Atlanta families choose AYSO each year for their kids’ first (and favorite!) soccer experience

• Focus on developing skills for life, not just on the field

How Do I Sign Up for Kids Soccer in Atlanta?

Register online using the posted registration opportunities above. We offer easy registration, volunteer opportunities, and resources for new and returning families.

Still Have Questions?

Visit our FAQsor contact us directly at [email protected]. We’re happy to help you learn more about Atlanta’s best youth soccer league for kids.