Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from parents. If you don't see your question, submit the interest form and a Leeward Select coach will follow up.

About the program

What is Leeward Select?

Leeward Select is the competitive program of AYSO Region 269, serving the Leeward Coast of Oahu (Barbers Point, Honokai Hale, Iroquois Point, Kalaeloa, Kapolei, Maili, Makaha, Makakilo, Nanakuli, and Waianae). We form select teams in the 10U, 12U, 14U, and 19U divisions to compete against other AYSO regions across Hawaii.

What's the difference between AYSO Rec, Extra, and Select?

AYSO Rec is the standard recreational league. Everyone who signs up plays, teams are balanced each year, and games stay within Region 269.

Fall Extra is a step above Rec. It is tryout-based and plays against other AYSO regions in Area 7E (the Leeward side of Oahu).

Spring Select is the most competitive AYSO tier we field. It is tryout-based and plays against other AYSO regions across Section 7 Hawaii.

Does my player have to be registered for AYSO Rec to try out?

Yes. AYSO Extra and Select both require current-year AYSO membership in addition to the select program fee. If you are not sure whether your child is registered, reach out to the Region 269 registrar before tryouts.

Can my player still play Rec if they are on a Select team?

Yes. Most Leeward Select players also play on a Rec team in the fall. Practices and games are scheduled around Rec where possible, but occasional conflicts come up. Let your coaches know early so they can plan.

Fall Extra and Spring Select

What is Fall Extra?

Fall Extra is the AYSO Extra program. It runs alongside the AYSO Rec season (roughly August through November). Teams practice together during the week and play weekend games against Extra teams from other AYSO regions in Area 7E.

What is Spring Select?

Spring Select is the AYSO Select program. It runs in the spring (roughly February through May), separate from the Rec season. Select teams practice more intensively and compete at the Section 7 level against other AYSO regions across Hawaii.

What's the difference between Fall Extra and Spring Select?

Fall Extra is the entry point to AYSO competitive soccer: more competitive than Rec, but still at the Area level (Leeward side of Oahu). Spring Select is a higher tier: teams travel farther, games are more competitive, and the commitment is larger. Many players do both seasons.

When does each season run?

Fall Extra runs from approximately [AUGUST] through [NOVEMBER]. Spring Select runs from approximately [FEBRUARY] through [MAY]. Exact dates vary by year based on AYSO scheduling. Check the Events page for this season's calendar.

Who do we play?

Fall Extra teams play other AYSO Region Extra teams on Oahu (Area 7E). Spring Select teams play other AYSO Region Select teams across Hawaii (Section 7), which can include Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island for tournaments.

How far do teams travel?

For Fall Extra, most games are within driving distance on Oahu. For Spring Select, interisland travel to tournaments is possible but not every weekend. We give families as much notice as possible so you can plan. Travel costs are separate from the program fee.

Eligibility and divisions

What age divisions do you field?

We field teams in 10U (ages 9-10), 12U (ages 11-12), 14U (ages 13-14), and 19U (ages 15-19). Age is determined by AYSO's national age matrix, not by current school grade.

How do you decide which division my child plays in?

AYSO uses your child's birth year against the national age matrix. You can indicate your best guess on the interest form and we'll confirm placement.

Do you have Boys and Girls teams?

Yes. We field Boys and Girls teams in each division.

My child is new to competitive soccer. Can they still try out?

Yes. We welcome players at all levels of experience. Tryouts are how our coaches assess where a player fits. If your child is interested and willing to put in the work, sign up.

Tryouts and selection

When and where are tryouts?

Tryout dates and locations are posted on the Events page each season. We typically hold tryouts a few weeks before the season starts. Once you submit the interest form, you'll receive tryout details by email.

What should my player bring?

Cleats, shin guards, a size-appropriate soccer ball, water, and a snack. Wear comfortable practice gear (shirt and shorts). Pinnies are provided by the coaches.

What are coaches looking for?

Technical skill (first touch, passing, dribbling), soccer IQ (positioning, decision-making), athleticism (speed, agility, endurance), and coachability (listening, attitude, work ethic). Coaches also factor in age-appropriate development, not just the strongest player on a given day.

How is the final roster decided?

Coaches evaluate each player across tryout sessions and confer as a staff. Rosters are finalized within a few days of the final tryout and families are notified by email.

If my child isn't selected, can they try out again next season?

Absolutely. Rosters turn over each year and a lot can change between seasons. Many current Leeward Select players were not selected their first time. We encourage players to keep developing and come back.

Can I see evaluation feedback?

Coaches will share general development feedback on request. Detailed per-player evaluation notes are used internally by our staff and are not shared.

Commitment and schedule

How many practices per week?

Typically two to three practices per week during the season, usually around 90 minutes each. Exact schedule is set by the head coach based on field availability.

How many games will the team play?

A typical Fall Extra season includes about [8-10] scheduled games. A typical Spring Select season includes about [8-12] games plus tournaments. Your head coach will share the full schedule once it is set.

Will there be weekend tournaments?

Yes. Most Fall Extra and Spring Select seasons include at least one tournament. Your head coach will share the tournament schedule as it is confirmed.

What if we have a conflict (travel, another sport, school)?

Let the coach know as early as possible. Occasional missed practices are normal. Missing multiple games in a row can affect roster position, but we work with families to accommodate school trips, family travel, and legitimate conflicts.

Cost and logistics

What are the fees and what do they cover?

The program fee for each select season is approximately [$XXX]. It covers team registration with AYSO, referee fees, field fees, and basic team equipment. AYSO Rec registration is separate and must be completed before tryouts.

Are uniforms included?

[TO FILL IN: what the team provides vs what families buy, e.g. jerseys provided, families purchase shorts and socks. Include whether uniforms carry over across seasons.]

Is financial assistance available?

AYSO Region 269 has scholarship options for families who need help with fees. Reach out to the Region 269 board before the start of the season. No child will be turned away due to financial need.

What equipment does my player need?

Cleats (outdoor soccer), shin guards, a size-appropriate soccer ball (size 4 for 10U and 12U, size 5 for 14U and 19U), a water bottle, and a soccer bag. Goalkeepers should bring gloves.

Coaches

Who coaches the teams?

Leeward Select coaches are volunteer parents and community members from Region 269 who have committed to the additional training required for competitive coaching. Each team has a head coach and typically one or two assistant coaches.

Are coaches AYSO certified and Safe Haven trained?

Yes. Every Leeward Select coach is a currently registered AYSO volunteer with completed Safe Haven training and age-appropriate AYSO coach certification. This is verified before the season starts.

How many coaches per team?

Every team has at least one head coach. Most teams also have one or two assistant coaches, depending on the age group and roster size.

Communication and privacy

How will you contact my family?

All communication from Leeward Select goes to the parent email on file, never directly to players. This follows AYSO Safe Haven policy. Coaches communicate through team emails and, when needed, phone calls to parents.

Why do you contact parents instead of players directly?

AYSO Safe Haven policy requires all electronic communication about minors to go through parents or guardians. It is a youth safety standard we follow closely. Your child will never receive direct emails or texts from a coach through our system.

How do I know if my child made the team?

After tryouts close, you'll receive an email from the head coach with the outcome. Offers typically come within a few days of the final tryout.

How do I update my contact info or withdraw interest?

Email [email protected] with the update or request. For parent-initiated data deletion, we process requests within 30 days per our Privacy Policy.

Who can see my child's information?

Only Leeward Select coaches assigned to your child's age and gender pool, plus the Region 269 master admin. We follow AYSO Safe Haven data handling: no public roster pages, no photos of minors, no player identities posted publicly.

After the interest form

I submitted the form. What happens next?

You'll get a confirmation email from us within a few minutes. Our coaches review every interested player. As tryouts approach, the head coach for your child's division will email you with tryout details and next steps.

How long until I hear back?

The confirmation email is automatic and immediate. A personal email from your head coach comes closer to tryouts, typically a couple weeks before the first session. If it has been more than two weeks with no update and tryouts are close, reply to your confirmation email.

Do I fill out a separate form for each child?

Yes. Please submit one interest form per player. It helps coaches route each player to the right age division and coaching staff.

Still have questions?

Submit the interest form and a Leeward Select coach will follow up directly.

Submit Interest Form