Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

Read the season details and find the registration link here.

When can I register?

Fall season registration begins roughly mid-June. Winter indoor season registration begins in October. Spring season registration begins roughly mid-February. Once divisions are full, registrants will be placed on a waitlist and placed on teams if space becomes available. See below for more details on the waitlist.

Where and when are games played?

Check the games and map prior to the start of the season. Brooklyn AYSO's Fall and Spring games are played on weekends and are usually played at the Parade Ground, but some are played at other venues depending on the season. Exact locations will be determined by registration levels. Winter Indoor games are played on Saturdays at Chelsea Piers Field House, 601 Dean Street, Brooklyn.

When do the teams practice?

Teams have time to practice before each game. Some (not all) teams have practices during the week. Weekday practice schedules are determined by agreement between coaches and parents after teams are formed.

What ages are eligible to play?

Children born between 1/1/06 and 12/31/20 are currently eligible to play in our core program. New players must present for verification (a) an original birth certificate, (b) copy of an insurance card in the player’s name with date-of-birth on the card, or (c) copy of passport prior to participating. Age falsification presents risks for the player, families, and the Region.

What are the current age breakouts?

Players Ages for Fall 2024, Winter & Spring 2025

  • 5U: 01-01-20 to 12-31-20 (Fall and Spring Only)

  • 6U: 01-01-19 to 12-31-19

  • 8U: 01-01-17 to 12-31-18

  • 10U: 01-01-15 to 12-31-16

  • 12U: 01-01-13 to 12-31-14

  • 14U: 01-01-11 to 12-31-12

  • High School: 01-01-06 to 12-31-10

Do you have girls’ divisions?

Yes, we have both co-ed and girls’ divisions. You can read the breakdown of available divisions per season here.

How and when do I find out what team my child is on?

Team rosters and schedules will be announced a week before the beginning of the season. When coaches are informed of who is playing on their teams, they will be in touch with families to get things going.

To find out what team your child is on, click here to log in to our site. Log in using the email address and password you used when you registered yourself and your child. Your player’s team assignment, coach name and contact info, and upcoming games will be viewable on your “Dashboard.”

How are kids placed on teams?

Availability is on a first come, first served basis when registration begins until divisions fill/registration closes. Players are placed on teams by Division Coordinators to ensure balanced play across the division.

How much is the registration fee and what does the registration fee cover?

The season fee includes a uniform -- shirt, socks, and shorts for Fall and Spring/reversible jersey for Winter. You are responsible for providing cleats/turf shoes or sneakers and shin guards. You can find fees for the current season here. Registrations fees are not prorated for late registrants.

What is the refund policy?

  • For the first season registered in a Membership Year (Aug. 1-July 31), a refund of the registration fee minus up to $35 (AYSO National Membership fee + up to $15 administrative fee) will be given if canceled before being assigned to a team/the season starts.

  • For subsequent seasons in a Membership Year, a refund of the registration fee minus up to a $15 administrative fee will be given if canceled before being assigned to a team/the season starts.

  • Refund of 50% if canceled at least two days before the start of the season. (i.e. for Winter 2024-25, cancel on or before Dec. 4 to receive a 50% refund)

  • No refund if canceled less than 2 days before the start of the season. (i.e. for Winter 2024-25, cancel on or after Dec. 5)

  • No refund after receiving a uniform.

  • No refunds if a player is suspended or expelled from the program.

Do you have financial aid?

Yes, AYSO 473 has a need-based scholarship program. Go here to read more or to apply.

My player was placed on the waitlist. What does that mean?

All players registering after a division is full or once the open registration period has ended are placed on the waitlist.

A waitlisted player is offered a spot on a team if:

  • a registered player cancels

  • there are enough waitlisted players, fields, coaches, and uniforms to create two full teams in a division before the season schedule is set

If offered a spot, and you do not have a saved form of payment, you have 24 hours to complete payment or the spot will be offered to the next player on the list. Players are offered spots based on the date they registered, family volunteer status, and team balance. Unfortunately, we cannot predict the likelihood of a waitlisted player being placed on a team.

My child was placed on the waitlist so we signed up for another activity. Do I need to cancel?

Yes, you must email registration@brooklynayso.org to cancel your waitlisted registration. If you don’t cancel, it’s possible that your child will be activated and placed on a team. If that happens, the regular season refund policy applies and you may lose your registration fee.

Can I request for my player to be on a specific team?

One of AYSO’s philosophies is balanced teams. Each season we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible, providing a stronger learning experience for teams as they play teams comprised of similar ability. It also allows for each player to experience playing with a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels. Please do not request specific coaches and/or teammates, and please do not promise your child they will play with specific friends or coaches. The only guaranteed team placements are for siblings in the same division and coaches who will be placed with their children. If you player really wants to be with someone, a parent/guardian of each player must volunteer as coach. See here on how to volunteer!

What equipment does my player need?

All players must wear shin guards at all games and practices. Players should bring a soccer ball and water, and should wear athletic shoes. AYSO will provide a uniform shirt, shorts, and socks for Fall and Spring seasons and a reversible jersey for Winter, which will be distributed by your child's coach at the beginning of the season.

Please note: Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or any other player. This includes, among other items, all items of jewelry and accessories including hair beads & hard barrettes, earrings, necklaces, wristbands and ankle bracelets, watches, casts and splints, with the exception of a “medical bracelet.” These items may not be worn even if taped or covered.

What size ball does my child need?

5U, 6U, 7U and 8U divisions play with a size 3 ball, 10U and 12U divisions play with a size 4 ball, 14U and up play with a size 5 ball.

Why do the shin guards go under the socks?

For safety reasons. Straps can loosen during contact, and exposed parts of the shin guard can cause injuries to other players.

What is the rainout policy?

Only the Regional Commissioner can cancel games. In the case of inclement weather (heavy rain, thunder, lightning, snow) the following process will be followed:

  • The Regional Commissioner will cancel the AM games by 7:30am on game day. This means all games that run from 8am to 12pm are cancelled. No delayed starts.

  • The Regional Commissioner will cancel the PM games by 10:00am. This means all games that run from 12pm- 4pm; no delayed starts.

Please monitor your email, MOJO, and our social media accounts for updates!

What should I do if a player is injured during a game?

Soccer is a physical sport and while rare, injuries do occur. A key role of the Referee is to ensure the game is played with safety in mind. Coaches should complete this incident report form if a player is injured during a game and contact the Safety Director with any questions. Please note, ONLY REFEREES SHOULD BE ON THE FIELD EVEN DURING AN INJURY. Once the referee assess the situation, they may call the coach or parent/guardian onto the field to assist.

I want to help in some way but don't know who to talk to?

Talk to your coach or the division coordinator for your child's division listed on the Contacts page of our website, or click here learn how to volunteer.

Where can I find out more about AYSO?

More information about AYSO can be found on the AYSO National Website and our AYSO Section 3 website.