Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is PHMSA? Why AYSO?
Pleasant Hill / Martinez Soccer Association (PHMSA) is a local AYSO region, part of Area 2C in Section 2 of the American Youth Soccer Organization. We offer youth soccer programs for players of all skill levels in our community, following AYSO’s proven player development model and commitment to a fun, family-friendly soccer experience. Since 1964, AYSO has provided quality youth soccer programs nationwide, focusing on building positive character through participation in a safe and supportive environment. AYSO is built on six core philosophies that shape our program:
- Everyone Plays
- Balanced Teams
- Open Registration
- Positive Coaching
- Good Sportsmanship
- Player Development
Who can play?
Any child between the ages of 3 and 18 as of December 31 of the year the fall season begins can play AYSO soccer.
Can my child play in a different age group?
No, AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements, and our region cannot move players to different divisions. A player’s age group is determined by their birth year, and the AYSO Membership or playing year (MY) runs from August 1 to July 31. View age determination chart.
What programs are available?
AYSO offers programs for all ages and skill levels, following a player development pathway that begins with Fall Core (which includes Playground and Schoolyard). The EPIC program provides soccer opportunities for players with disabilities. Those seeking a more competitive path can progress to Alliance and, ultimately, Mt. Diablo Mustang Soccer, a year-round program. PHMSA runs the Fall Core program. The EPIC, Alliance, and Mt. Diablo Mustang Soccer programs are organized by Area 2C and include players from neighboring regions like MDSA and Concord.
FALL CORE PROGRAM QUESTIONS
When does registration open? How do I register my player?
Registration for the Fall Core program opens in April. Late registrations after May 31 may be placed on a waiting list.
Register here
Does my child need to try out in order to play?
No. The Fall Core program does not require tryouts.
What is the cost?
The current registration fee and a detailed breakdown can be found here.
When will I be notified what team my child is on and when will practices start?
Teams are formed in July. Your coach will reach out to you with details and to schedule a team meeting in late July or early August. The coach will provide all the information you will need in regards to practice times and location.
How can I volunteer?
You can register to be a volunteer coach, referee, or countless other positions during the registration process. We absolutely need as many coach/referee volunteers as possible to ensure we can put on a meaningful program for all players. We also have openings on our board for a variety of positions. If interested, please email [email protected].
Volunteering helps your child's team in accumulating the necessary points that all teams need to accrue throughout the season, and for 10U+ teams to qualify for our PHMSA cup at the end of the season. Learn more about the Team Points Program.
What is the refund policy?
The PHMSA Registration Fee will be refunded in full for all requests made before August 1. 50% of the PHMSA Registration Fee will be refunded if requested during the month of August. No refunds will be given for any requests made after September 1. The AYSO National Fee ($25) and the Credit Card Processing Fee ($2.75) are nonrefundable.
How often are practices and games?
Practices will start in August, with most teams training twice per week (a weeknight and a weekend practice) before games begin. Once games start on Saturdays, teams continue practicing once or twice a week, depending on the coach and field availability.
Where will practices and games take place?
All practices will be held at various schools and parks in Pleasant Hill and Martinez. The same applies to all games for divisions 10U and under. For the 12U+ divisions, which include inter-league games, some game locations may be in neighboring regions, such as Concord, Clayton, and Rio Vista.
What is Playground and SchoolYard?
The goal of AYSO Playground Program (3-year-olds) is to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians. No teams are formed.
In AYSO Schoolyard Jamboree, 4-year-olds get to play soccer in a developmentally appropriate program. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throw-ins in a low-pressure and fun setting while still perfecting fundamental motor skills. The program transitions into 3v3 gameplay to gradually expose children to the game without the pressure to win. No teams are formed.
When does Playground and SchoolYard start?
Playground and SchoolYard programs consist of eight weekend training sessions led by trained coaches, with volunteer coaches assisting. Your child will receive a t-shirt at their first session.
Can I request specific dates, times and locations for practices?
No. With over 1,000 kids in the program, we cannot accommodate individual scheduling requests. If you’d like more control over practice times and locations for your player’s team, consider becoming a coach.
Can I request a specific coach or a buddy?
Coach and buddy requests are not allowed, with exceptions for coaches (maximum of two per team) and siblings. 10U+ teams may also include a referee in addition to two coaches.
What gear does my child need?
Your player is required to have shin guards with socks covering them. Cleats are recommended, but athletic shoes are also acceptable. A team uniform, including a jersey, shorts and socks will be provided.
What size soccer ball should I get for my player for practice at home?
Divisions Schoolyard through 8U use a Size 3 ball.
Divisions 10U and 12U use a Size 4 ball.
Divisions 14U and above use a Size 5 ball.
Why are soccer socks required to be worn over the shin guards?
Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could cut a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to.
Can my player wear a sweatshirt on cold morning games?
Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with). It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors if possible. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.
What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories such as “scrunchies” and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable.
Are earrings allowed during games and practices?
Earrings are not allowed in AYSO games or practices—no exceptions. Players must remove them to participate. Some parents find it helpful to take the earrings out just before practice or a game, apply ointment to the piercing, and put them back in afterward.
What is “Silent Saturday”?
Silent Saturday is an AYSO initiative designed to create a more focused, positive environment for players. On this pre-designated game day, all spectators—coaches, parents, and others—are asked to remain silent during the game. The date will be announced to everyone in advance. The goal is to let the players take center stage, allowing kids to enjoy the game and make decisions on their own, free from external pressure or coaching from the touchlines. It’s a great opportunity to encourage sportsmanship and support players in a quieter, more respectful way. Learn more.
I have more questions!
Visit AYSO National FAQ page for additional information or reach out to us at [email protected]