What is AYSO EXTRA™?
AYSO EXTRA™ is a competitive, year-round gaming circuit designed for players who have outgrown recreational soccer. It offers a higher-level opportunity to refine skills in a tryout-based environment, without the massive price tag of private clubs.
It is a step above All-Stars. While the competition is fierce, the program stays true to the core value that Playing Time = Development. Unlike club teams where players can sit on the bench for entire games, AYSO EXTRA™ mandates that every player plays at least 50% (and usually 75%) of every match.
"The best teacher of the game of soccer is the game itself; guaranteed playing time is what makes AYSO EXTRA™ such a great program for young soccer players."
— Tim Ward – Head Coach, Pepperdine University Women’s Soccer Team
"I thought AYSO was just Recreation Soccer?"
This is the most common misconception we hear. The most well-known AYSO program is indeed our "Core" (grassroots) program, but AYSO is a massive organization that feeds players into all levels of the U.S. soccer pyramid.
AYSO offers pathways ranging from Playground (U4) up to the most elite youth soccer level in the country (ECNL). AYSO EXTRA™ sits firmly in the competitive tier, with our top teams typically playing at a level equivalent to Club Flight 1 or Flight 2.
Is "Long Beach United" the same as "AYSO United"?
No! This is important to understand.
AYSO United is AYSO's National Club Program that plays in the SoCal/CalSouth gaming circuits. While our Region 114 EXTRA teams use the nickname "Long Beach United," we are not part of the AYSO United club network.
- Long Beach United (Us): We play in the AYSO EXTRA SCEDSL gaming circuit. We are administered by Region 114 volunteers.
- AYSO United (Them): They play in the Club (SoCal) gaming circuit. They are administered by a different board and fee structure.
How does EXTRA compare to Club Soccer?
Our program is a "Club Killer." We offer the same high-level competition and professional training, but we strip away the bloat, the politics, and the excessive fees.
See how we stack up:
| Feature |
Long Beach United (EXTRA) |
Typical Club Soccer |
| Annual Cost |
~$800/year (for EVERYTHING,
including uniforms and tournaments) |
$2,500 - $4,500+ |
| Playing Time |
Guaranteed 50% (Mandatory), typically 75% |
0% Guaranteed (Pay to sit) |
| Coaching |
Professional Trainers + Licensed Volunteers |
Paid Coach |
| Competition |
Flight 1 & 2 Equivalent |
Varies (Flight 1, 2, or 3) |
| Travel |
Mostly Local (<45 min drive) |
Regional/National (Hotels often required) |
We Select Players, We Don't Collect Checks.
Because we are non-profit and volunteer-run, we have no incentive to form "extra" teams just to collect fees. If we form a team, it is because the talent level exists to compete. We limit our age divisions to one or two teams max to ensure quality.
Elite Soccer for Under $1,000? Yes.
We run on parent power, not profit. This allows us to keep fees incredibly low while still offering professional training and elite competition.
- Step 1: Register as a Core player (Standard Region Fee).
- Step 2: If selected for a team, pay the Annual EXTRA Fee (~$250).
- Step 3: Purchase your Uniform Kit (~$80).
Your fees cover:
- Weekly Fall training with licensed First Touch Soccer professional trainers.
- Dedicated practice fields (no fighting for space at the park).
- SCEDSL Fall Gaming Circuit fees.
- Spring Season practice space.
The "Secret Sauce": Parent Power
How do we keep costs so low? You.
When your child joins Long Beach United, your family joins the team. We expect all EXTRA families to volunteer—most commonly as Referees. Unlike Club soccer where you pay high fees to have someone else handle everything, here you pay low fees and pitch in.
Pro Tip: Roster spots are incredibly competitive. When two players are equal in skill, coaches will almost always select the player whose parents are certified referees! Sign up to become a referee today.
The Commitment
Fall Season (August - December):
- Soccer must be your PRIORITY SPORT. You may NOT play on a Club team during the Fall EXTRA season.
- Games are almost always Saturdays (Home or Away).
- Travel is local (Section 1, 10, 11). Most games are within a 30-45 minute drive.
Spring Season (January - June):
- Teams stay together and play in tournaments or Club Leagues.
- Schedule is more flexible; teams decide their own tournament schedule.
- Many players successfully balance Spring baseball/softball with Spring soccer, although some coaches may prefer players who are "soccer exclusive." Have this conversation with your coach!
Try-Outs & Registration
You cannot simply sign up for this program. You must earn your spot.
- Attend Try-Outs: Dates are posted on our Calendar. You must RSVP online.
- Wait for the Call: Teams are formed by late April. All players will be notified via email whether they made a team or not.
- Register for Core: You MUST register for the Fall Core program during Open Registration (March-June) to be eligible, even if you are waiting to hear back from an EXTRA coach.
Important Verification: If selected, you must provide a birth certificate or passport to verify age eligibility. This is strict requirement for the gaming circuit.
Questions?
For more information, contact Long Beach United Program Coordinator Jamie Lawendowski.