Started with AYSO when I was kid. Now with AYSO again with my own kids. The program has changed a lot and has also had to restart itself following the pandemic years. Each Region also has it's own characteristics which are really driven by the parents and community. I think it's important that folks understand the pros and cons before they decide to enter the program and before they pass judgement on whether they think it is or is not good. Pros: * It's a volunteer organization. So this is your chance to become engaged with your kids activities and give back to the community. * Lots of free training available! * Irvine as a Region is smaller than many of its neighbors, so you can really get to know folks here. * Irvine fields are comparatively awesome. * Recreation play is perfect for kids that are learning or wanted to focus on child development. * The Region invests heavily in their Advanced Play program for competitive development. * The Region has been making great effort to recognize and retain referees. * Much less expensive and more convenient that pay-to-play club soccer. Cons: * Irvine parents and the community are simply not as engaged, which hurts volunteer driven programs. * Volunteers have to deals with entitled parents and children, one bad seed ruins it for everyone sometimes. * You are not guaranteed to be on a competitive team or have an experienced coach. * You are not guaranteed to have an experienced referee for your game, or a referee at all. * Sometimes there are so many emails that it's easy to stop reading them and you may miss important information. * City of Irvine may cancel games on you based on field conditions. * Practices and games are sometimes spread out across many fields. * Overall less organization than some paid, for-profit programs in the area. read more

We have been apart of AYSO Region 213 for 5 years. All 3 of my boys have played many seasons. My oldest son has moved on to play at a high level club team thanks to the amazing coaches, leadership and volunteers that have helped him along the way. This is a volunteer led program that needs dedicated parents and families to step up and help along the way. We are so grateful for this organization. read more

Ayso Irvine Region 213 - Team - Soccer Near Me - Irvine, California

AYSO IRVINE. SUCKS!!!! SO BAD. They just emailed us 1030pm that our next morning game is canceled due to no ref. Ok. 1. Notify parent sooner. Or 2. If parents are paying money for this. Hire a damn ref. Unbelievable. This is our second try with Ayso. The first time. We didn't even have a coach. (My husband had to volunteer to be a coach to avoid the 1st incidence. Yet. Here. We. Are. AGAIN). THIS GROUP DESERVES NEGATIVE STARS FOR ITS INABILITY TO ORGANIZE YOUTH SPORTS. How disappointing for them all these little kids. read more

My kids have been playing AYSO Soccer in Irvine for the past 10 years. I have really enjoyed watching them make friends, develop their skills, and have fun. There are so many drop-and-go sports that seem like outsourcing the experience. I'm grateful to have been a part of it, as a volunteer soccer coach and volunteer referee. It was rewarding to participate in something together as a family. I've probably coached more than 150+ players over the years. In the end, none of us will remember the wins and losses, but we'll long hold on to the memories of time together on the soccer field. read more

Ayso Irvine Region 213 - Celebrating the amazing effort of the team! - Soccer Near Me - Irvine, California

Very unorganized team. The person in charge is awful and completely unresponsive. Volunteer based league. Not sure what the money goes to outside of the Jersey and ball. Enter at your own risk. Liverpool is greater. Join them. You'll thank me later. read more

I'm a parent with a daughter age 11.  She has been playing soccer with AYSO for almost 1 year! There are several soccer programs in Irvine.  I like that it's a non-profit and kids of all skill levels get time on the field.  I was nervous about my daughter playing for the first time.  The coaches really encouraged her and she ended up having a great time. We've been fortunate to have some awesome volunteer coaches take the time to teach my her the basics about soccer and grow her love for the sport. read more

My son is in 5u it's unorganized. The parent coach's allow almost everything to happen. A parent has a kid that isn't even old enough to be on the team play and he runs around tackling other kids. They allow 3-4 kids to block the goal. The entire process is horrible we wouldn't recommend this team.One coach for 20+ kids isn't enough they can't keep them engaged. read more

AYSO213 has improved so much! My son has been playing for AYSO since U5. He is now 12 and he loves the sport! AYSO 213 has the best overall programs for all levels. Rec Soccer for Starters, Extra program for advanced players, and they even have a Sunday Skills program for field players and Goalies! David joined the Sunday Skill program for goalies and he has been a goalie ever since! Kudos to AYSO! read more

My daughter has played soccer with AYSO since she was 5. For the past seven years, she has been fortunate to have some amazing coaches that have cultivated her love for the game. The great thing about AYSO is that as my daughter has gotten more skilled and competitive, AYSO have several programs beyond the traditional rec league to keep her challenged and still have fun. No matter what level of soccer your child is at, AYSO has a place for them. I am grateful that AYSO has provided a motivating, encouraging, and fun environment for my daughter to excel in a game she loves. Thank you AYSO Irvine! read more

Fun League - Volunteers seem much more relaxed than Tustin as far as intensity with coaching

My daughter has played for AYSO Irvine for 4 years. It's such a great program. I've been so fortunate to see her grow as a player. The coaches have been amazing and the program is better than other AYSO programs in Orange County. We left for one year to play for Liverpool (La Galaxy) and ended up coming back to AYSO for the program. The cost is amazing for the work the kids get. I cannot recommend a better program. From the coaches to the referees, everyone takes the time to not only make sure your child is progressing and understanding the game, but most importantly having fun. I know my whole family looks forward to game day. There's nothing better than Saturdays outside watching your kid do what they love. AYSO does that for our family. We are so grateful and will be in this program for a long long time. read more

Worst experience for my son to join a soccer league that was mean rude unorganised, and completely negative! Joined the extra team paid a lot for a year of soccer and at the end of one season was bullied to leave the league and not even play the second season that's how bad it was and my son didn't want to ever experience such a horrible nightmare group of mean unorganised kids and parents. $395 for two seasons and only played for 8 weeks! Save your money! read more

We love AYSO Irvine! We've had a great experience especially for a voluntary run program. Organized and responsive. Both our kids enjoy their teammates and coaches. We are impressed with the referees, they are patient and help explain the rules. Soccer Saturday's have been awesome with AYSO Irvine. I would fully recommend joining up! read more

Needs a functional website! I am new to AYSO and was trying to figure out what time and days programs available for my twin girls. Maybe it is easier for someone who is more familiar with this organization but for me the website was absolutely USELESS! Maybe AYSO is 'it' but my kids will be playing at a different organization. read more

AYSO213 has seen a complete 360 in organization of the younger leagues as compared to 3 years ago! The 6U Jamboree is very organized and structured that makes it very enjoyable and consistent for the younger kids. The 10U girls coaches are amazing this year, highlighting the "every child plays motto" in all that they do! Thank you AYSO for a great Spring 2022 season! read more

The organization is very organized, especially for a nonprofit. The volunteer coaches and staff are great. They do it for the passion. My girl has been playing for the Fusion teams for years now. Fusion is the more skilled and competitive AYSO level equivalent to low club level, but at a fraction of the price. read more

This is a volunteer-led and -run organization, with a good experience and personal development as the aims. I particularly want to commend the referees for teaching the game and being patient with people who don't know the sport (and rules) as well as they do. There are some real standout referees who consistently do this week in and week out, and it is a real supplement to the volunteer coaches. For those that have ideas about specific changes, please get involved and stay positive. read more

So unorganized. I didn't realize (I am new to team sports for my children) that you could join an organization that doesn't provide coaches. Instead the parents are expected to fill in for this role. So after weeks of very negative emails from the organization guilting parents into coaching we are now being equally guilted into refereeing for the games too. By the way this league was not free either. So, we're paying to coach our own children oh and referee them too. Not happy and will not have our kids return after this season. I do not like to leave negative reviews but I've had it with this group (after receiving another pathetic email today). read more

Totally unorganized,they have 17 kids and only one coach ,the coach neglected my child also another child kicked my child ,the coach cannot manage this number of kids ,and upon talking to the coach she talked in a very aggressive way to my child "do you want to play " so my child got scared and said NO !!!!! Then the coach told me she doesn't want to play!!!! This is totally unprofessional ,even more I tried to contact the program manager he doesn't answer then he called me and was v rude about why this matter is urgent as he is busy with his kids game ..later on I sent him email and he didn't reply for 4 days and doesn't return the call even !!! Very disappointed and definitely I don't recommend it for anyone !! read more

So disorganized. Season starts Saturday and we barely have any information about games and teams 3 days ahead of time! Please save yourself the stress and pay $50 more for your kids to play on galaxy. read more

My daughter has been playing soccer with AYSO for several years. She has moved from the regular AYSO rec teams, to the All-Star team and now she is on the Extra/Fusion team.  With AYSO Irvine there is a tremendous amount of growth in the players skill sets. Her coaches are invested, kind, hard-working, encouraging, knowledgeable and skilled. This is the right fit for our daughter and she is thriving! She loves soccer!  Off the soccer pitch, the team does lots of fun outside activities and socials which allows the girls to bond on and off the field. For example, our entire team with families and coaches went to see OC Soccer Club vs Sacramento Republic FC at the Great Park in Irvine. It was amazing and a great team building experience! The highlight of the game was that the girls walked through the tunnel onto the field with the professional athletes and got to stand on the field during the National Anthem! Go AYSO Irvine! read more

If you want your child to learn soccer do not waste your time with these people. Parents coaching thinking they know the game . The director Doug preaching sportsmanship and etiquette to parents but let's the so called coaches embarrass the game and other players and does nothing about it. Don't waist your time or money. read more

In my experience, the parents and kids in this organization have been fantastic! A great way for your child to make new friends. I've been a coach myself, and my daughter has really enjoyed her new friendships. And our sidelines with the parents are really fun. Lots of generosity in our team. read more