AYSO Kickstart

What is AYSO Kickstart?

AYSO Kickstart is AYSO’s entry-level soccer experience designed to reimagine early play environments, spark joy, boost development, and help kids fall in love with the game from day one.

Grounded in years of sport and early-childhood research, Kickstart transforms traditional practice into child-centered play. Sessions feature fun, fast-moving activities and modified small-sided games that create a lively, sandlot-style jamboree experience.

Kickstart is typically offered for the youngest and first-time players and serves as the first step in the AYSO player pathway.

Why Kickstart?

Kickstart looks and feels different from traditional youth soccer, and that is intentional.

Today’s youth sports are often over-structured and adult-driven, which does not always match the needs of the child. Kickstart adapts the environment so the game belongs to the kids again.

The streets, parks, and backyards have produced some of the world’s most creative players. When children are given the freedom to play, they become healthier, happier, and more confident.

Benefits include:

Physical health
Unleashed creativity
Social and emotional growth
Confidence and independence
Accessible and inclusive play environments

What does a Kickstart session include?

Each Kickstart session is simple, fast-moving, and designed to keep players active.

Every session includes:

A Fundamental Motor Skill activity (such as skipping or balancing)
A game-like soccer activity to build skill and understanding
The Big Match – a modified small-sided game (2v2 or 3v3)

Each session also includes a social and emotional learning theme, such as helping others, sharing, or teamwork.

Why do parents choose Kickstart?

Parents choose Kickstart because it:

Feels welcoming and low-pressure
Fits into modern family schedules
Focuses on fun, development, and child ownership
Builds confidence instead of stress
Is run by an organization they trust
Encourages parent participation and support

For many children, Kickstart is their first organized activity, and the program is designed to make that experience positive and memorable.

How does Kickstart support development?

Kickstart creates a strong foundation for future soccer participation by:

Introducing basic ball familiarity and movement
Building comfort in a group play environment
Encouraging listening, sharing, and simple directions
Helping players transition confidently into team-based soccer

The goal is not to rush development, but to set players up for long-term success and enjoyment.

How does Kickstart reflect AYSO’s philosophies?

As an official AYSO program, Kickstart follows the AYSO Six Philosophies:

Everyone Plays®
Positive Coaching
Player Development
Good Sportsmanship
Open Registration
Balanced Teams

Kickstart introduces these values from the very beginning of a player’s soccer journey.

Kickstart at a glance

Who: First-time and youngest players
Focus: Fun, movement, confidence, and play
Style: Sandlot-inspired, small-sided, child-centered play
Structure: Flexible sessions designed for families
Outcome: Happy kids, confident parents, players ready for team-based soccer

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