Extended season. Top-notch coaching. Lower fees. More playing time.
Why Choose the Long Beach Waves?
AYSO EXTRA costs less and guarantees more playing time than any traditional club soccer organization. We require small teams so that all players play a minimum of 50% of every match. Most Waves teams play equivalent to a club Flight 3 or Flight 4 level (although there is no official competitive designation for EXTRA teams, teams are grouped into competitive flights in the Fall SCEDSL circuit). Waves teams train with licensed, professional coaches. Because we are a part of AYSO, AYSO philosophies still apply, including a focus on Player Development, Good Sportsmanship, and Positive Coaching.
What is AYSO EXTRA™?
AYSO EXTRA™ is a competitive game-circuit program that offers players a higher-level opportunity to refine their skills in a more competitive, tryout based environment, without the typical costs associated with higher-competition programs. It's a step above All-Stars. Though players are more advanced, the EXTRA™ program follows the same core values as AYSO’s other programs and embraces AYSO’s Six Philosophies, particularly EVERYONE PLAYS where all players are guaranteed to play 75% before anybody plays 100%. Playing time = development.
I thought AYSO was just recreational soccer?
The most well-known AYSO program is the Core program (recreation/grassroots), but AYSO offers many soccer programs that cover all levels and skills, from recreation up to the most elite youth soccer level, ECNL. AYSO EXTRA™ teams compete with club teams in tournaments and perform very favorably. The EXTRA program does not officially use club "flight" classifications, though effort is put in to talent match teams in the regular season and tournaments to ensure a developmentally appropriate competitive experience.
How do the Waves compare to club soccer?
The Region 177 Waves program is a less expensive alternative to traditional club soccer, with smaller team sizes that guarantee at least 50% playing time. Waves teams have the freedom to play against club teams in the Spring, or participate in any club tournament throughout the season. in the Fall season, Waves teams participate in the AYSO EXTRA™ gaming circuit.
Both AYSO EXTRA™ and Club are competitive soccer programs targeting players that have a stronger desire and ability to play soccer. However, EXTRA™ focuses on the development of players in a competitive (but not a cut-throat) environment. Because this is still AYSO, players are guaranteed to play at least 50% of the game. Unlike club teams, whose coaches earn more money every time they create another team or pack another player on the roster, Waves teams have a cap so that no player plays less than half a game (or usually 3/4 of a game for most players). Why spend $2,000 or more each year having your player play eight minutes each game?
In addition, all Waves teams practice with a professional, licensed coach through our partnership with First Touch Soccer.
Our coaches are not paid. Our administrators are not paid. There is no incentive to form more watered-down teams, or pack as many kids as possible on a team. Fewer teams and fewer players that means better quality and more playing time -- and more development -- for all.
How much does an EXTRA season cost?
One of the most significant differences between EXTRA and Club is the cost. A full year of Waves practices, tournaments, gear, and games is usually under $800. Club teams, even those in lower flights, typically run from $2,000 - $2,500 per year.
- Waves players register and pay for the normal Fall Core season. This includes the national membership fee, AYSO Region 177 Core program fee, plus an additional fee (approximately $270) to cover the cost of a custom uniform and equipment, professional training, dedicated field space, and the EXTRA™ Program participation fee.
- There may also be fees for any optional tournaments in which the team participates.
How are Waves costs so low?
We run on parent power -- not money! All Waves families are expected to volunteer during the season -- most often as referees, field marshals, lining fields, etc. When your child participates in Region 177, so do you. Your volunteer spirit keeps our costs low.
Waves families are also an integral part of the success of our region's annual tournament, the Region 177 Beach Classic, where they provide volunteer support in preparing fields, manning check in and ref tents, and supporting a safe and fun environment for teams who come to Long Beach from across southern California.
Often the roster decision between two like players comes down to whose parent/guardian is willing to volunteer referee! Let the EXTRA coordinator or prospective coach know your interest in becoming a referee and they can help direct you to sign-up and training resources.
What is the Waves Season Schedule?
- Fall Season begins in August and continues through December or January.
- Winter Tournament Season begins in December through February.
- Travel is required (approximately 50% of games). Most away games are within 45 minutes of our home fields.
- Some Waves teams continue play in the Area E Spring Extra development circuit, depending on coach and player interest.
When are Waves Try-outs?
- For Fall seasons, teams are selected by May.
- New and returning players must try out each year to be eligible for selection.
- We encourage players to attend multiple try out sessions, but at a minimum one is required.
- All players interested in trying out must RSVP when try-out sign-ups are open.
- All players who try-out will receive email confirmation shortly after the final tryout indicating if they were selected or not, using the email address provided when signing up for try-outs.
Registering for the Waves
You cannot register directly for EXTRA. During Fall Open Registration you should register for the regular Fall Core program, even if you plan to play -- or think you may be invited -- on a Waves team. Once you are officially invited and accept to play in Waves, we will manually add your player to the team and you will receive additional instructions to register and pay for the EXTRA program. (Typically the Core fee of $200-ish, plus additional fees for upgraded uniforms, SCEDSL gaming circuit, professional training, and dedicated training space.)
Upon successfully being added to a Waves team, ALL participants (even if returning) must verify their date of birth by emailing la photo/scan of their birth certificate or passport to Region 177 Registrar.
Coaching the Waves
Each year we open the application process for coaches who would like to become Waves coaches. However, unlike Core where most volunteers are accepted pending verification, Waves coaches must pass a much higher bar before they are accepted.
Waves coaches are held to a higher standard. These volunteers should represent the best coaches in our Region -- not the best in terms of winning, but in terms of exhibiting AYSO Philosophies and demonstrating a proven ability to keep their touchlines under control. Waves teams exemplify high standards of coaching, sportsmanship, and play to the rest of the region at home matches, and are representatives of our Region and city when they travel to away games and tournaments.
Waves coaches are coaches who respond promptly to emails, help other coaches at try-outs, get their safety courses and certifications done promptly, and attend Board Meetings when possible. Coaches are also expected to recruit the maximum number of referees from their teams.
Ready to volunteer?
If you are an exceptional volunteer and are interested in becoming a Waves Coach in 2025, please submit this form.
Questions?
For more information, contact Long Beach Waves EXTRA Program Coordinator Jeff Goodenbour.