What is AYSO Jamboree?

The objective of the 73 Program is to expose young players to the fundamentals of key motor, balance, and coordination skills in an age-appropriate fun session. There is no competition in AYSO Playground Soccer!  AYSO Playground is for kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians and other players. 

In Jamboree, each team has four/five players and each player has a parent (or other adult) with them on the field. The children start with a warmup each morning when they arrive. Then we try and use our imagination and play a game incorporating soccer skills and drills in a low-pressure setting. Players are split up in teams and the players have a 20-minute free play. Jamboree is about exposing children to soccer as a fun game, without the pressure to win. We give high fives when kids score even when it's in the wrong goal, let the kids have fun and learn.

How do parents participate?
Parents or caregivers 18 years or older can help take turns organizing the teams, setting up fields, and takedown of the equipment, during warm-ups, and drills, and help with coaching. The sessions are managed by rotating parent-"coach trainees".  Parents thus attend and experience each session with their child, and rotate taking turns as parent-"coach trainee."  "Master Coaches" will introduce the games or activities and then conduct the session with the parent "coach trainees" helping players complete the various activities. "Master Coaches" guide session steps.  Parents will either take turns helping with the game or help on the sideline. Don't worry if you have never played soccer and are unfamiliar with soccer rules.  With help of parents, we can keep the game fun for the players. Thank you, we look forward seeing you and your child on the field. 

 Children must wear shin guards under the socks against the skin.  The player learns early to use shinguards for their protection. Each child should bring their own size 3 ball. Make sure it is pumped up sufficiently. There is a 10 minute warmup. Then practice skills and drills as a group for 10-15 mins and then break into teams of 4v4 or 5V5 to play using the skills they learned.

A little about the Game:

The Start of Play: Play is started with a kick-off in.  Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.

The Kick-off: The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from the ball. Give the kicker space to get the ball in play.

Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play in all age group games when it crosses the touchline (sideline) or goal line (end line) either on the ground or in the air. In Jamboree games, the supervisors on the game determine when the ball is out of play and they guide the restart, interfering as little as possible. It is the players’ game, let them play. Working on skill development comes after discovering the physical capabilities. We just want the kids to have fun.  Making mistakes is okay.

Method of Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.  Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone.  In Jamboree games everyone is a winner. Standings are not kept.

Fouls and Other Stoppages: Deliberate fouling should be rare in Jamboree games.  Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur.  There should be few if any, additional reasons to stop play in Jamboree games.  If a player is “not playing well with others,” or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly, or frog), refocus the players and restart play. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it.  Stoppages must not become a lengthy ceremony the main reason is to keep play safe and players have fun.

Kick in instead of throw in: Parent coaches should keep the games moving so players keep active. Drop the ball in play when necessary. Throw-ins can be difficult at this age so a kick-in is allowed to restart play.

~Opening Day Parade is August 26th~
If you would like your child, to be in the parade have your child there at 7:40 am. Photos to follow after parade. 
Our fields are located at 9001 Ashe Road Bakersfield, CA 93313 at the Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Soccer Complex. 

When and Where...
Sessions will start September 2nd and warm-ups & games will be on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am on field 6. Our fields are located at 9001 Ashe Road Bakersfield, CA 93313 at the Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Soccer Complex. 

What you need...
Players need a size 3 ball, shin guards, a water bottle, and we recommended sanitizer as well. Make sure the ball has inflated properly before going to the field. Children must wear shin guards under the socks against their skin. Jewelry, including earrings, is NOT allowed during all sessions for the child's safety.  Have fun and please stay safe and healthy!

End of the year party is usually on the last day of the season~
This is a parent-oriented event that is prepared by the volunteers and the parents. An award is given to the players by the volunteers and the parents get together to provide treats for the party. An email reminder will be sent out a week or two before the end-of-year party. On the last day, there will be no practice. We will have our game and then our end-of-year awards & treats immediately after the game. If we can get some parents to help organize the the parent treats we would really appreciate the help!