About Us
Welcome to Region 272in far West Texas, providing a world class soccer experience for players 4 to 17 years of age using 100% volunteer power. Players and volunteers come from West El Paso, North East El Paso, Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, and other neighboring communities. For other nearby AYSO programs, please visit theAYSO Region Locator.
Safe, Fair, Fun Soccer, Powered By Families Like You!
Did you know every team parent, coach, referee, and Board Member in Region 272 is an unpaid volunteer? Our program is affordable, yet high quality, thanks to parents and families like you. Every volunteer in Region 272 is committed to providing a safe, fair and fun experience for all players and family members -- whether soccer novices or experts.
Where do I start?
Below, check out the summary of Soccer Programs we offer and how to register.
After you've registered, visit theCoach Sign-UporReferee Sign-Uppage to become a volunteer.
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The AYSO Philosophy
All programs in AYSO Region 272, regardless of a player's skill level, are based on AYSO’s six core philosophies:
- Everybody Plays®: Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game. It's no fun to spend the game on the bench...and that's no way to learn soccer!
- Balanced Teams: Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it's more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.
- Open Registration: Our program is open to all children who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut.
- Positive Coaching:Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child's life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl.
- Good Sportsmanship:We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.
- Player Development:We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
These philosophies form everything we do in Region 272 -- from how we build teams, to the behaviors we ask of coaches, referees, and spectators.
Parent/Guardian Engagement
We don't pay. Seriously. Board members are not paid. Referees are not paid. Coaches are not paid. Everyone you see lining fields, setting up goals, and working tirelessly to provide a world-class soccer experience for your child is a volunteer.
We are powered by parents/guardians. Not money.When your player participates in AYSO, so do you!Players play. Parents and guardians support the region by volunteering.Every family is expected to volunteer in one way or another, most commonly as a Referee.This is how AYSO Region 272 is able to keep our fees so low.
Without volunteers there is no region and there are no games. Even parents with little or no soccer experience can learn to be a great coach or referee for the kids. All it takes is enthusiasm, commitment, and a foundation in AYSO philosophies.
Beyondcoachingandrefereeing, there aremany other ways to help. We also need volunteers to help run registration events, schedule fields, plan photo days, administer our website, and more. You can take on a small task of working in a booth for an hour, or join ourboard meetings.Every volunteer helps.
AYSO REGION 272 PROGRAMS
Want to play on a team? Check out the Core (recreation), VIP (special needs), Want to work on development and skills? Check out the Playground (3-year-olds) or Schoolyard(4-year olds)
Fall Core (Recreational, U5 - U17)
Our Fall Core program is the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields. AYSO is best known for its Core Program – it’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime. This is the first step in the AYSO Player Pathway.
Birth Year Divisions
Players in Core are placed on teams according to gender and year of birth. Girls and boys who turn 4 this calendar year start in "Schoolyard Under 5" (or 5U). Boys who turn 5 play in Boys 6U... and so on up through 12U. Ages 13 through 17 will be placed together in a coed division. The important thing to know is that we use the Calendar Year to determine division placement -- so a player born January 1st, 2016 is in the same division as a player born December 31, 2016.
Balanced Teams
Registration for Region 272 Core program follows the AYSO philosophies of Open Registration and Balanced Teams -- meaning everyone who registers gets placed on a team (as long as we have enough parents/guardians stepping up to coach), and new teams are selected each year. Every year your coach and teammates will change, to keep games fair and fun.
Fall Core Schedule
Games usually begin the 3rd week of September. Teams play one game each week, for 6 to 8 games. Most games occur Saturdays, with one or two Friday night games for players in 10U, and 12U+.
The practice schedule for core teams is entirely up to the volunteer Coach. Most coaches begin their practices right after Labor Day in September, and hold one or two practices per week depending on the age group. A big reason tovolunteer as a Coachis you get to set practices on any day/time that works for your family! Spring Core Schedule
All players that registered in the fall core program will play on the same team in the spring. The spring season is included in the regular registration fee paid for in the fall. There are no additional fees for the spring. New players may sign up on the wait list for spring and will be prompted to register for the spring based on availability. The Spring season normally begins on the last weekend in February with 6 to 8 games played and a break usually on the first weekend of spring break and Easter. * This year ,Spring 2021, we are having a delayed start due to the Covid-19 closure of county parks
Spring Core Playoffs / TournamentAll teams 10U and up are invited to participate in the end of season tournament with at least 2 games guaranteed (double elimination) which are included as part of the regular season games. Medals are awarded for 1st through 3rd place.
Interested in Fall Core? Visit our Fall Core Page to learn more.
In AYSO schoolyard, 4-5 year olds get to play soccer in an age-specific program. Each team is comprised of three players and a parent/adult for each on the field. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throwing in the ball, in a low pressure setting. Schoolyard is about gradually exposing children to soccer as a game without the pressure to win.
Playground (kids who turn 3 this calendar year) uses group activities, soccer themes, and parent participation to develop the fundamental motor skills that prepare kids for all sports. Players participate each Saturday with their parent (or other adult) working with them on the field. This is NOT a mini World Cup experience. Don’t expect 60 minutes of soccer games. The program uses soccer as the "teaching thread" to develop fundamental motor skills such as balance, running, jumping and throwing for three year olds. This is the foundation of sports success and an active lifestyle. Let your little one learn the beautiful game the right way! Parent Participation is REQUIRED! AYSO coaches lead sessions that create a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utilizing age appropriate activities.
Visit ourPlayground pagefor more information.
