What equipment is needed?
Shin guards (mandatory during practice and games), Soccer shoes with/without cleats, Soccer Ball, Uniform (Games Only), and water.

Shin Guards (Selecting the correct size.)

Soccer Shoes:  (Soccer shoes are not mandatory but are highly recommended)

Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.
With Cleats:  Make sure they don't have a spike near the toe, like baseball cleats do.
Without Cleats:  Regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative.

Soccer Ball & Sizes:
Size 3 for U5 - U8
Size 4 for U10 - U12
Size 5 for U14 and older.
What should I bring to my child’s practices and games?

Uniforms - Players should wear their blue/gold jersey - either new or used from a previous season is fine - dark-colored shorts or athletic pants and soccer socks.

Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!

Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?
Safety is the primary reason.  Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could cut a player.  By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other.  Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to.

Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game?
No.  Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games.  There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child and all the other players.

What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?
Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games.  The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended.  As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.

What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid.  Soft hair accessories such as “scrunchies” and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable.

It can be cold for some games. Can my child wear a sweatshirt during the games?
Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with).  It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform).  Try to coordinate with your team’s colors if possible. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.

The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?
No. While the doctor may be representing your son’s interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that he limit his participation to that of moral support on the sidelines.  Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  This applies at the games as well as at practices.