❓ Frequently Asked Questions – AYSO Region 727 (Roane County, TN)

🟣 What is AYSO Region 727?
AYSO Region 727 is the local branch of the American Youth Soccer Organization serving Roane County, TN and surrounding areas. We offer fun, affordable, and development-focused soccer programs for children ages 3–18, including recreational CORE teams, our 6U Jamboree Academy, and the advanced AYSO Alliance program.

🟣 What programs do you offer?

• CORE Recreation Soccer (ages 3–18) – Fall and Spring seasons
• 6U Jamboree Academy – Introductory soccer for ages 3–5 **Must turn 4 years old by December 31, 2025.
• AYSO Alliance – Competitive play for advanced players (starting at 10U)
• Middle School Coordination – Program partnerships and tryout support
• Coach & Referee Training – All volunteers are trained and certified

🟣 What does “Everyone Plays®” mean?

AYSO’s Everyone Plays® philosophy means every player is guaranteed to play at least 50% of every game, no matter their experience or skill level. Every child deserves the chance to learn, improve, and love the game from the inside of the lines.

🟣 What does it cost to play?

• $50 local Region 727 program fee per season
• $25 national AYSO annual membership fee **Only applies to one program registration per calendar year!


• $25 jersey kit (reversible purple/white, reusable every season)

🟣 Are uniforms included?

Not in the base registration fee. Uniforms are $25 extra and consist of our reversible purple/white jersey (used across multiple seasons). Many families reuse hand-me-downs or pick them up secondhand.

🟣 Where are games and practices held?

Nearly all games and practices are held at Swan Pond Sports Complex in Harriman.

10U and older teams may have up to 4 away games at Area 5G partner regions:
-- Oak Ridge, Athens, Sweetwater, Loudon, and Lenoir City.

🟣 When are the seasons?

We offer two main seasons:

• Fall – Registration opens mid-June, practices begin in August, games run September–October
• Spring – Registration opens in January, games run March–May

(Exact dates vary by year.)

🟣 What age division will my child play in?

Divisions are based on birth year. For Membership Year 2025–26:

🟣 What gear does my child need?

Required:

• Shin guards (worn under socks)
• Athletic shoes or soccer cleats (no toe cleat or metal studs)
• Water bottle

Recommended:

• Practice shirt
• Appropriate size soccer ball
  
• Size 3 (6U & 8U)
• Size 4 (10U & 12U)
• Size 5 (15U & up)

🟣 Are coaches and referees trained?

Yes! All AYSO Region 727 volunteers complete:

• Safe Haven® Certification
• U.S. SafeSport Training
• CDC Concussion Training
• Division-Specific Coaching Courses

We also offer regular in-person and online training and mentoring to support our volunteers.

🟣 Can I help out as a parent?

Absolutely! AYSO runs on volunteers — coaches, assistant coaches, referees, team parents, field crew, and board members. Whether you’re new to soccer or a seasoned coach, we’ll provide the training and support you need.

🟣 What makes AYSO different?

AYSO is player-first, volunteer-powered, and built around six core philosophies:

• Everyone Plays®
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development

These values create an environment where every child can thrive on and off the field.

🟣 Can I bring my pet to the field?

No. For the safety of all players and families, pets are not allowed at AYSO events — even on a leash. Please leave animals at home.

🟣 Can my child play with a cast or splint?

No. For safety reasons, players wearing hard casts, splints, or braces (even if padded) are not permitted to play. This applies to practices and games.

🟣 Can my child play with newly pierced ears (or other jewelry)?

No. Jewelry of any kind is not allowed during practices or games — this includes earrings, even if recently pierced or covered with tape. Players must remove all jewelry to participate.