We have different programs that are divided by our age divisions.  These programs are per direction of AYSO National Programs and with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).  We are a volunteer-based league and you can expect to have a parent volunteer coach who has submitted a background check and is fully trained in both safety and age-appropriate soccer fundamentals. If you are interested in volunteering with us as a coach, please sign up when you register your child.

To see a chart of age requirements according to birth year click here.

School Yard

The School Yard Division is our youngest age-division with players from 3 to 4 years of age. The program is led by a professional soccer coach who is trained specifically for this age group. The objective of this program is to help develop, in collaboration with the parent or guardian, the child’s fundamental motor skills using soccer as a common thread. There are no games or competitive play in this division. This division meets on Sundays for 50 minutes.

The 06U Division is our 2nd youngest age-division and the first experience for many in team play. Players are 4-5 years of age and for most this is their first time playing soccer. Players in this division are divided into teams of 6 with a parent volunteer coach. The team will meet on Sundays for 1 hour. The first 30 minutes is designed as a practice. The 2nd 30 minutes is dedicated to a 4v4 game.

The 8U division is for 6 and 7 year old players. The players in this division are divided into teams of 7 players with volunteer parent coaches. These teams will have a weekday practice for 1 hour and games on Sundays. Games are broken into 4x10 minute quarters and will have no more than 5v5 players on the field with no goal keeper.  

Our 8 and 9 year olds play in the 10U Division and are divided into teams of 10 players. This division will have a 1-hour weekday practice and games on Sundays. Games are run as 7v7 for 4x12.5 minute quarters.  Goalkeeping is introduced at this age level.

Our 10 and 11 year olds play in the 12U Division and are divided into teams of 12 players. This division will have a 1-hour weekday practice and games on Sundays. Games are run as 9v9 for 4x15 minute quarters.  

The U14 Division is our first division entry of max 11 on 11 which is a full side game.  This is also the first age division to play inter-regionally. Rosters are between 15-18 players per team. This division will have a a minimum of 1.5 hour weekday practice and games on Sundays with 4x17.5 minute quarters.  Teams in our 14U division will have approximately 50% of the games at home and 50% of games at other AYSO regions in the Chicagoland area.

Illinois high school sports rules prohibit athletes from competing/participating in another same sport league/program while they are competing for their school. To continue to offer soccer programs to these players in their high school "off season," AYSO Region 418 runs half year programs to compliment the portion of the year they are not playing for their school teams. Thus, the AYSO Core 19U Girls Division is offered only in the fall, while the 19U Boys Division is offered only in the spring. These high school players have the opportunity to represent Northside Chicago AYSO by participating in interregional games against other neighboring AYSO regions. There is one weekday practice per week and games on Sundays. Rosters are between 15-18 players per team. Teams in our 19U division will have approximately 50% of the games at home and 50% of games at other AYSO regions in the Chicagoland area.

Everyone Plays means that financial need won’t prevent your child from playing soccer with Northside Chicago AYSO. We follow the Chicago Park District guidelines for Financial Assistance. Click here to download our Scholarship Application Form. Return completed forms to [email protected].