Heading into week 4, teams have been together for nearly a month of practices and games. New friendships are forming, and your children are beginning to see their potential for growth across the next two to three months of soccer. Read on to learn more about everything ahead.
Players and coaches in 10U, 12U, and 14U are invited to sign up to be considered for the 2026 All-Star season. Running from January through mid-March, all-star teams compete at different levels of play against teams from around the area. Head over to the All-Stars page on the website to learn more.
Players may also sign up to compete on a Region 13 team at this fall’s Thanksgiving Tournament.
Sundays are for Player Development
“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, to maximize their enjoyment of the game.”
Player Development is one of the Six Philosophies that define AYSO. During the Fall season, this happens during weekly practices and on Saturdays as young players work under the guidance of coaches while also learning from one another. On Sundays, Region 13 offers two more opportunities to focus on player development.
Sunday Skills is open to players of all ages who are enthusiastic about soccer and are looking for extra practice and scrimmages. Professional coaches from Launch Sports run skills-focused drills, including goalkeeper academy, and small-sided games that ensure all the extra touches essential to player growth. Join Sunday Skills from 3:30–5pm at the La Canada High School JV fields.
NEXT is a competitive program for players in 10U, 12U, and 14U. Sessions begin with a short technical session, followed by a scrimmage. NEXT is perfect for players looking to prepare for the All-Star season, test their limits, try new things, and play more soccer with friends.
Head over to the website for more information, or to join NEXT click on your division below:
G10U | B10U | G12U | B12U | G14U | B14U
Long-time Region 13 volunteer Board Member, coach, and referee Shanti Rao shares this lesson about that all-too-familiar refrain heard on soccer sidelines everywhere, “NOT TO THE MIDDLE!”
Don’t think of an elephant! Are you thinking of an elephant now? But I wrote, “don’t think of an elephant!”
Are you tired of yelling, “Don’t pass the ball to the middle” or “Not to the middle?” Fat lot of good that did, eh? Perhaps you’re wondering why the team always takes a goal kick and then passes the ball directly in front of their own goal, where the other team’s forwards are standing?
✅ Do your part to avoid blowouts.
Region 13 makes every effort to form balanced teams, but for any number of reasons, blowouts, when the goal differential is 6 or more, happen. This is not enjoyable for either team, so it’s up to the coaches to be proactive when they notice an obvious disparity.The winning team should not be penalized and the losing team should not be patronized.
Be discreet, don’t yell “no more scoring!” or tell your team to give up easy goals. Instead, rotate positions, or make the game more challenging by telling players to only shoot with their weaker foot or from outside the penalty area.
Remember, development is more important than winning, so have a plan to keep the game interesting no matter the score.
✅ Don’t Forget Your Game Cards
Coaches should arrive with a completed, properly sized game card, printed front and back with their team ID and name, their names, and players’ names and numbers completed in all appropriate locations.
Picture Days are starting up next week, and in order to make sure they run smoothly, we NEED volunteers. We’re hoping that at least one parent per team can help out for a simple one-hour shift.
Region 13 is headed to Carson to watch the LA Galaxy! Tickets are still available—and a limited number of on-field experiences will be awarded at random to Region 13 players! Don’t miss this chance to make a memory that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, October 11 | 7:30pm
Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746
Tickets are $20 each at ayso13.org/tickets
Letter from the Commissioner
Hi ⚽️ Families,
As you know, AYSO has six philosophies that guide everything that we do. The one many of us are thinking about right now is Player Development: We here in AYSO make choices for programs, trainings, and other opportunities that allow young people to develop their skills, in soccer and in life. If you look around the pitch this Saturday, you will see many examples: Coaches trained in their specific age division to develop the skills of their players. Youth coaches in 8U are being mentored by the Women’s Coaching Alliance to develop leadership skills. Youth referees in almost every division are developing their skills and knowledge of soccer, as well as communication and teamwork skills. Everywhere you look in AYSO, we encourage youth to grow and develop in ways that are applicable far outside of the game of soccer. So this weekend, when you see some of these young people, be sure to thank them and encourage them along their path. That’s what AYSO is all about.
—Patrick Shopbell, your volunteer RC
You are receiving this message because of your involvement with AYSO Region 13, 711 W. Woodbury Rd., Unit E, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
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