Region 425 AYSO’s EXTRA (Travel) Program FAQ
WHAT IS “EXTRA”?
AYSO EXTRA is a travel soccer program that provides progressive player development for players who have the interest, skills, and ability to enhance their soccer experience while remaining part of the AYSO organization. The program retains AYSO's spirit and philosophy while offering an elevated level of play.
The EXTRA program is available for U10 and U12 players and includes:
One additional 90-minute weekly practice with professional trainers
An additional weekend game against EXTRA teams from nearby regions
Participation in playoffs at the end of the Spring season
Roster spots are limited. Region 425 holds tryouts to select players. Those selected are expected to attend every practice and every game. A full commitment is required, and both players and parents must sign a commitment letter. Players who cannot fulfill the EXTRA commitment will be asked to leave the program.
DO I STILL PLAY CORE AYSO?
Yes. All EXTRA players must participate in the Core AYSO program for both practices and games.
Players are required to attend at least 50% of their Core AYSO games. Core AYSO includes one practice per week and one Saturday game. EXTRA is supplemental play and does not replace the Core program.
WHEN IS THE EXTRA SEASON?
The EXTRA season runs during both the Fall and Spring seasons. It typically begins one week before the regular outdoor season and concludes with playoffs starting on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
WHAT ARE THE AGE CUTOFFS?
Age divisions follow the same structure as Core AYSO:
U10 Division: Rising 3rd and 4th graders (Fall 2026)
U12 Division: Rising 5th and 6th graders (Fall 2026)
U10 consists of U9 and U10 players combined.
U12 consists of U11 and U12 players combined.
WHO COACHES THE EXTRA TEAMS?
Certified volunteer parent coaches partner with professional coaches who assist with weekly practices and game evaluations. Volunteer coaches manage the games.
HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE ON A TEAM?
U10 Teams: 10 players plus 1 substitute
U12 Teams: 12 players plus 2 substitutes
CAN I BE ON THE SAME TEAM AS MY FRIEND?
No player or coach requests are accepted. If more than one team is formed in a division, teams are created solely on the basis of tryout evaluations.
CAN THERE BE MORE THAN ONE TEAM PER DIVISION?
Yes. Multiple teams may be formed depending on participation and evaluations.
WHO DO WE PLAY AGAINST?
Games are played against other EXTRA teams in AYSO Area 6D. Participating regions may include:
Deerfield
Morton Grove
Highland Park
Rolling Meadows
Skokie
Glenview
Evanston
Peterson Park
Rogers Park
Chicago Lakefront
Not all regions field EXTRA teams at every age level.
WHEN ARE PRACTICES?
Practices are held on Mondays from 4:30–6:00 pm.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE GAMES?
Games are played on Sundays, typically in the late afternoon. Games may be hosted in Region 425 or at neighboring regions.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
The cost of the EXTRA program is $450.
If your child is selected, the non-refundable payment is due in full within two days of notification. If payment is not received, the roster spot will be offered to the next player on the list.
This fee is in addition to the Core AYSO registration fee.
Could you let me know who I should contact for more information?
Girls EXTRA Coordinator
Stephanie Nanney
Boys EXTRA Coordinator
Anne Babick
General EXTRA Email: [email protected]
Regional Director
Bhanu Choudhary
Email: [email protected]
Assistant Program Director
Quinn Half
Email: [email protected]
STEPS TO REGISTER FOR EXTRA TRYOUTS
Go to inleague.playsoccer.org
Create an account or log in to your existing account
Navigate to your Family Profile page
Select the registration link next to your child’s name
TRYOUT SCHEDULE
BOYS
Day 1: May 5, 4:30–6:00 pm
Day 2: May 6
U10: 5:00–6:00 pm
U12: 6:15–7:15 pm
GIRLS
Day 1: May 5, 6:15–7:45 pm
Day 2: May 7
U10: 5:00–6:00 pm
U12: 6:15–7:15 pm