Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

AYSO United Alabama

General FAQs

Q: Where do teams practice and play home matches?
A: We offer all practices and home games in Madison, AL.

Q: How long are the Fall and Spring soccer season's?
A: For our 2015-2005 teams, each season typically lasts around 14-16 weeks depending on each team's game schedule. The Fall typically runs from August-November and the Spring typically from February-May. For our 2016 teams, the season typically last 12 weeks, from August-October.

Q: How many nights per week do teams practice?
A:
- 2016 boys and girls (U8) - 2x per week for 1 hour.

- 2015/2014 (U9/U10) - 2x per week for 1.5 hours and optional 3rd weekly technical skills training session at the NOW Soccer Academy

- 2013/2012 (U11/U12) - 2x per week for 1.5 hours and optional 3rd weekly technical skills training session at the NOW Soccer Academy

- 2011-2005 (U13-U19) - 3x per week for 1.5 hours

Q: How many games do teams play?
A:
- 2016 (U8) teams will play internal scrimmages usually every other weekend. This could be on a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday afternoon.

- 2015/2014 (U9/U10) - Typically a minimum of 8 Exhibition games and 2 tournaments (3/4 games per tournament) for a total of roughly 16 games per season.

- 2013/2012 (U11/U12) - Typically a minimum of 8 Exhibition games (or State league games depending on team) and 2 tournaments (3/4 games per tournament) for a total of roughly 16 games per season.

- 2011-2005 (U13-U19) - Typically a minimum of 8 State league games, 2 tournaments (3/4 games per tournament) and 3/4 exhibition games for a total of roughly 20 games per season.

Q: How much travel is involved for away games?
A:
- 2016 boys and girls (U8) - All practices and any scrimmages are based in Madison

- 2015/2014 (U9/U10) - Away games (exhibition games) are played against other clubs in the area and are usually between 15-60 mins away. Teams will also usually play one travel tournament per season, which is usually 1-2 hours away.

- 2013/2012 (U11/U12) - Away games will depend on whether teams participate in the Alabama State League or if they play exhibition games vs other clubs. Travel for State league teams varies per team and is dependent on teams in the bracket. Expect 4 away games which could vary from Huntsville to Auburn. Teams will also usually play one travel tournament per season, which is usually 1-2 hours away.

- 2011-2005 (U13-U19) - Away games will depend on whether teams participate in the Alabama State League or if they play exhibition games vs other clubs. Travel for State league teams varies per team and is dependent on teams in the bracket. Expect 4 away games which could vary from Huntsville to Mobile. Teams will also usually play one travel tournament per season, which is usually 1-2 hours away.

Q: How much are fees for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 season?
A:
- 2016 boys and girls (U8) - $125.00 club fees/ $65.00 Uniform fees
- 2015/2014 (U9/U10) - $300.00 club fees/ $125.00 Uniform fees/ ~$150-$200 team fees
- 2013/2012 (U11/U12) - $450.00 club fees/ $225.00 Uniform fees/ ~$150-$250 team fees
- 2011-2005 (U13-U19) - $750.00 club fees/ $225.00 Uniform fees/ ~$150-$250 team fees

Club fees are due to the club and paid on our website. These fees are paid per season (i.e. once in the Fall and again in the Spring if the team is also playing a Spring season). Club fees cover: Coaches pay, Facility rentals for games and practice, Full time Director and support staff, Player Insurance, Alabama Soccer association fees, Administration fees, AYSO National fee, Coach support material/The Coaching Manual, equipment.

Team fees are through each individual team (usually collected by team manager) and cover: Tournament fees, Referee fees, coach travel expenses for travel tournaments/games, any team parties/events the team chooses to do. These fees are paid per season (i.e. once in the Fall and once in the Spring)

Uniform fees are paid to soccer.com. The Home and Away game uniforms are good for Fall 23 and Spring 24, and practice uniforms are good thru at least the 2024/2025 season.

Q: What does the partnership with NOW Soccer offer?
A: Click on the "NOW Soccer Academy & FC" tab for more info on our affiliation with NOW Soccer!

What is AYSO United?

AYSO United is the official club program of American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). AYSO United flips the soccer building blocks upside down by prioritizing psychosocial development as the starting point to technical, tactical and physical advancement.

What benefits will AYSO United members receive?

Being part of the official AYSO United club means you’re a member of “The World’s Biggest Soccer Club.” As a member of AYSO United, you are part of a program that is committed to Player Development, Coaching Education and an affiliate member of U.S. Soccer.

Our players are placed in a positive learning environment based on a year-round player centered training experience; designed to focus on all aspects of player development. Each AYSO United player will be exposed to our year-round periodization program designed to allow the player to reach their full potential while enjoying meaningful games through competitive league play (Alabama Soccer Association) and selected appropriate tournament play.

How is AYSO United different than AYSO’s Core and EXTRA programs?

AYSO United’s primary difference is that each team is formed through a formal try-out process and will compete in U.S. Club or USYS gaming circuits, which are external of AYSO game rules.

AYSO United’s Coaching education pathway is designed to create a developmental path for our AYSO and AYSO United Coaches as we create a positive learning environment for our players.

Our coaches are placed in an environment where development is prioritized over winning and players are required to play 50% playing time. This structure ensures that coaches can develop players and teams without outside pressure as they look to create the ultimate development experience.

We encourage professional growth and continued education both in AYSO, USSF, and other coaching education programs.

What Can I expect from AYSO United Coaches?

AYSO United is built upon the traditional Six Philosophies of AYSO, which emphasize the commitment to and development of the player rather than the results of the game. Some attributes of an AYSO United coach:

Have National coaching licenses
Positive Role Models
Prepared and organized
Provide a minimum of 50% game time to every player
Continuous Learners
Respectful to officials
Respectful to opponents
Produce age-specific year-round development plans
Tactically knowledgeable

Why is focusing on player development first so important to AYSO United?

The American Youth Soccer Organization has always been about the player and creating an environment where players feel valued. The United program recognizes that winning is a by-product of quality players and our focus is on developing quality youth soccer players. Players, teams and even coaches are often judged on results and at the youth level that is counter-productive. Ultimately this hurts the overall development of top-class players. Achieving results is important but we value development as a higher priority in our club. Developing a love for the game, having fun, and creating well-rounded players are key components.

How does AYSO United prioritize player development?

Our club structure, from David Thomas (AYSO United National Director) and Robbie Earle (UEFA Pro Licensed AYSO United Technical Director) to our local Club Leaders, is all about creating a player-centric environment.

Our National Director of Coaching, Paul Bright, a UEFA A Licensed and USSF Coach Instructor, brings decades of experience as a soccer coach with an expertise in coaching methods, strategies, and tactics accrued by working with professional soccer clubs and organizations.

Bright’s extensive professional experience includes eight years as an Academy Coach at Manchester United, roles with The Football Association as FA Skills Team Manager and Coach Educator, Academy Manager at FC United of Manchester and Youth Development Phase Coach at Oldham Athletic.

Additionally, Bright has a background in education, teaching undergraduate degree programs in Sports Coaching at The Manchester College, where he was Head of Coaching for the men’s and women’s college soccer programs that competed in the England Colleges FA. Currently, he serves as the Technical Director for The Coaching Manual, an industry-leading coaching and educational platform.

Our responsibility at AYSO United Alabama is to provide our coaches with tools and support to ensure that our focus remains on the player. Our players and coaches value success but we understand the proper way to achieve our goals.

Does AYSO United Support ODP?

Yes! Olympic Development Program, Region III, and U.S. National Training Centers are opportunities for players to be seen by Regional and National scouts for entrance into the U.S. National Team Scouting & Training System. Players must contact their coach when issues arise with respect to these events as they may take precedence over club events.

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Contact Us

AYSO United Alabama

Michael Winstone, 574 Palmer Road
Madison, Alabama 35758

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 256-652-4076