Recreational Soccer at LNYSA

LNYSA offers two recreational seasons each year, making it easy for families to stay involved, keep kids, active, and continue their soccer journey. Check out the full program details below, and find all the key dates in the league calendar.

Fall 2026 Recreational Soccer Overview

Fall 2026 is going to be a special season in Laguna Niguel, starting late August — fun, community-focused soccer for ages 3–12, plus a fresh new look inspired by the world’s biggest stage.

💰 Registration Fees

• Program Support Contribution (Optional) - Families have the option to contribute 1–2 hours during the season. If you prefer not to volunteer, a Program Support Contribution is available during registration.   👉 This ensures every family can enjoy soccer without any required volunteer commitment, while supporting referees, coaches, and overall program quality.
  
  

• Priority Placement Fee (After August 19) - A $50 Priority Placement Fee will apply to registrations received after August 19.  👉 Late registrations may have limited team placement options, so we encourage families to register early to secure the best experience.

  
  

🗓️ Fall Season 2026 At A Glance

• Wed, April 8, 2026: Fall Registration Opens
• Sun, June, 21, 2026 : Early Bird Pricing Ends
• Mon, August 16, 2026: Teams in each Division form based on age, level, Friend.Coach requests
• Wed, August 19, 2026: Late Registration starts, Waitlist begins + priority placement fee Applies
• Wed, September 2, 2026: Registration Closed in most Divisions 
• Late August 2026: Game schedules published
• Sat, September 12, 2026: Opening Day — Fall Season debut!
• Mon, September 14, 2026: Practices begin (some divisions)
  
• Tue, September 14, 2026: Weekly Skills Clinics begin (U6–U12)
• Sun, October 4, 2026: Photo Day (All Divisions)
• Sat, November 14, 2026: Fall Festival & Younger Divisions Finale
• Mon, November 16, 2026: 🎉 Championship Games (U9-U12) 

📅 To see all the Calendar events including  camps, clinics, league events, program dates, meetings for 2026, please visit the League Calendar.

Ready for Fall Soccer?

Join the fun, build skills, and be part of a great season in Laguna Niguel.

Program Details by Age Group

Below is a clear overview of what to expect for each age group—format, schedule, what’s included, and what to bring. Birth years align to the August 1 age cutoff.

What Families Can Expect

LNYSA is designed to make youth soccer simple, fun, and development-focused. Each age group is structured to match players’ stage of growth, confidence, and game understanding.

👶 MiniKickers (Aug 2021 – Jul 2023)

A fun, gentle introduction to soccer for 3-4 year olds. Each Spring & Fall season includes 8-10 Saturday sessions (60 minutes each) with games, water breaks, and a scrimmage. Weekly skill patches are awarded to encourage participation and learning.

👉 Learn more about MiniKickers

• Format: Academy-style, non-competitive
• Saturday Session: 60 minutes
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 3 soccer ball + water

(Saturday Only Program / No MidWeek Clinic or Practice for this age)

🟠 U6 (Aug 2020 – Jul 2021) & U7 (Aug 2019 – Jul 2020)

Players are assigned to teams and play 4v4 or 5v5 games with no goalkeepers. Each Saturday includes a brief team practice followed by a game. Players also attend weekly Skills Clinics for 7 weeks to build technique and confidence.

👉 Check the Midweek Skills Clinic Dates & Times

• Format: 4v4 or 5v5 teams (no goalkeepers)
• Saturday Session: 30-minute practice + 40-minute game
• Midweek Skills Clinics: Tuesdays at 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 3 soccer ball + water

🏆 U8 (Aug 2018 – Jul 2019) — Champions’ League

Our U8 Champions’ League division is an exciting next step. Players compete in 5v5 or 6v6 games with goalkeepers, structured into four 10-minute quarters. Weekly Skills Clinics focus on technique, awareness, and confidence.

👉 Check the Midweek Skills Clinic Dates & Times

• Format: 5v5 or 6v6 teams (with goalkeepers)
• Saturday Session: Practice + 40-minute game (four 10-minute quarters)
• Midweek Skills Clinics: Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
• Midweek Practice: Optional
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 3 soccer ball + water

💪 GU9 (Aug 2017 – Jul 2018) & BU10 (Aug 2016 – Jul 2017)

Players develop in a more structured, referee-managed environment. Games are played in 7v7 or 8v8 format with two 25-minute halves. Balanced teams are formed through a player draft. Each week includes a Saturday game, an optional team practice, and Skills Clinics designed to advance player development.

👉 Check the Midweek Skills Clinic Dates & Times

• Format: 7v7 or 8v8 teams
• Roster Size: 9–10 players
• Saturday Game: 50 minutes (two 25-minute halves)
• Midweek Skills Clinics: Wednesdays at 4:00 PM
• Midweek Practice: Optional
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 4 soccer ball + water

⚡ GU11 (Aug 2015 – July 2016)

U11 steps up with referee-officiated matches in a 7v7 or 8v8 format played in two 30-minute halves. Teams are balanced via draft, and players participate in weekly games, coach-led practices, and Skills Clinics that emphasize technical and tactical growth.

👉 Check the Midweek Skills Clinic Dates & Times

• Format: 7v7 or 8v8 teams
• Roster Size: 9–10 players
• Saturday Game: 50–60 minutes (two 30-minute halves)
• Midweek Skills Clinics: Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
• Midweek Practice: Optional
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 4 soccer ball + water

🌟 U12 (Aug 2014 – July 2015)

U12 continues building technical skills, game flow, and positional understanding. Players compete in 7v7 or 8v8 games with two 30-minute halves. Teams are balanced via draft with rosters of 9–10 players. Optional team practices and weekly Skills Clinics enhance development.

👉 Check the Midweek Skills Clinic Dates & Times

• Format: 7v7 or 8v8 teams
• Roster Size: 9–10 players
• Saturday Game: 50–60 minutes (two 30-minute halves)
• Midweek Skills Clinics: Thursdays at 5:00 PM
• Midweek Practice: Optional
• Includes: Capelli Sport uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• Bring: Size 4 soccer ball + water

🚀 Advanced Levels of Play

As players grow in confidence and commitment, LNYSA offers clear next-step opportunities beyond recreational soccer.

⭐ Select Soccer (Advanced Rec)

Select Soccer is a competitive, player-focused program with elevated coaching and extended gameplay—while maintaining a flexible, family-friendly schedule. It is ideal for motivated players who want to develop further without the full-time commitment of club soccer.

• Format: 7v7 or 8v8 teams
• Cost: Starting at $250+ (varies by team and tournament participation)
• Tryouts: Held annually from January through March
• Uniform: Separate uniform purchase required via the online Store
• Schedule: Extended season with practices & weekend games/tournaments
• Eligibility: Players participate through evaluation or tryout

👉 Learn more about Select Soccer

🔵 Competitive Soccer — Laguna United FC

Laguna United FC is LNYSA’s top-tier program for players seeking the highest level of training and competition. With year-round development, licensed coaching staff, and advanced play, it is built for athletes with serious goals—high school, college, and beyond.

• Year-round training with certified coaches
• Participation in local leagues, State Cup, and regional/national tournaments
• Clear pathway to advanced platforms (including MLS NEXT-level competition tiers)
• Balanced focus on player development and team performance
• Tryouts typically held Dec–April for the following season

👉 Learn more about Competitive Soccer

Ready to Find the Right Program?

Explore the best fit for your player and take the next step with LNYSA.

Your Soccer Calendar

2026 is shaping up to be a special season in Laguna Niguel, with the Fall Season starting in late August. Fun, community-focused soccer for ages 3–12 — designed to build skills, confidence, and friendships.

Your Season at a Glance

LNYSA offers two recreational seasons each year (Spring & Fall) , giving families flexible opportunities to play, grow, and stay connected to the game.

The LNYSA League Calendar below is your go-to resource for everything happening throughout the year — from registration and team formation to game days, clinics, and key league events.

Why Parents Use the Calendar

What You’ll Find in the Calendar

• Registration opening and price change deadlines
• Team formation and season kickoff dates
• Weekly skills clinics and program schedules
• Holiday breaks and no-game weekends
• Playoffs, finals, and end-of-season events
• Additional LNYSA and LUFC community events

LNYSA League Calendar

View the full year below. You can scroll, switch views, and explore upcoming events. For the best mobile experience, you can also open the calendar in a new tab.

New to LNYSA?

The League Calendar is the best place to understand how the season flows — from registration through game day and beyond.

We recommend bookmarking it so you always know what’s coming next.

Ready for Fall Soccer?

Register early, review the calendar, and get ready for a great season.

In Season Weekly Skills Clinics

Extra touches. More confidence. More fun.

Quick Summary

Throughout the Spring & Fall seasons, LNYSA hosts Instructor led, weekly, age-specific Skills Clinics designed to help players grow their game in a fun, positive, and supportive environment. Skills Clincs run for the first 7 weeks of the Recreational Soccer Season.

Clinics provide extra time on the ball—without the pressure of games—so players can build confidence, learn new techniques, and sharpen core skills while keeping the joy of the game front and center.

What to Expect

• ⚽ Free for all registered Recreational players
• 🌟 Open to all skill levels
• 🎯 Led by professional coaches experienced in youth development
• 😊 High-energy, confidence-building sessions focused on learning through play

A Great Way to Build Confidence

Skills Clinics are also a great chance for players to connect with friends in their division and gain comfort playing with others in a supportive setting.

Coaches Welcome

Recreational Coaches are strongly encouraged to attend. Clinics are a great opportunity to:

• See age-appropriate drills and activities in action
• Pick up ideas for warm-ups and weekly practices
• Align team training with LNYSA development goals

Schedule & Locations

🕒 Weekly clinic times are listed by division. Check the Calendar for exact days & times.

📍 Locations and any updates will be communicated through email.

Spring 2026 Clinic Schedule

Questions About Clinics?

Reach out to your Division Director, and for the full list of key dates during the season, visit the League Calendar.

LNYSA Age Group Chart

Use the chart below to quickly find the correct age group for your player.

A Quick Guide for Parents

If you are unsure which division your child belongs in, this chart is the best place to start. Age groups are based on player birth year and help families understand where their player fits within the LNYSA pathway.

Age Group Reference Chart

Helpful Note

If you still have questions about the correct placement for your player, please reach out to LNYSA before registering. We are happy to help guide you to the right program and age group.

Need Help Choosing the Right Program?

Contact us and we’ll help you find the best fit for your player based on age, experience, and program options.

Beyond the Season Programs

Camps, OpenPlay, and Private Training designed to keep players learning, growing, and enjoying the game all year long.

Year-Round Soccer. Real Development. Serious Fun.

LNYSA offers a full lineup of programs that support player development beyond the regular season. Whether your child wants structured training, free play with friends, or more personalized coaching, there is an option to fit your family’s schedule and goals.

⚽ LNYSA Camps

Why Families Love LNYSA Camps

• Action-packed mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Led by professional coaching staff with youth development experience
• Many coaches are former collegiate players
• Designed for boys and girls ages 6–14
• Welcoming for all ability levels

What Players Work On

Each camp helps players build confidence and improve through work on:

• Dribbling and ball mastery
• Passing and receiving
• Shooting and finishing
• Juggling and coordination
• Soccer IQ including awareness, decision-making, and understanding the game

⚽ OpenPlay Fridays

OpenPlay at a Glance

What to Expect

• Pickup-style games where players create their own teams
• Lots of touches, movement, creativity, and decision-making
• A positive, low-pressure environment
• Casual adult supervision for safety, but no formal coaching during play

⚽ Private Play – Individual Skill Training

All Ages • One-on-One • Professional Trainers

What Families Get

• More repetitions and faster skill development
• Technical refinement with professional trainers
• Confidence building in a supportive setting
• Game-realistic activities and training
• Individual attention that is hard to achieve in a full team setting

Session Format

Perfect For

• Players who want to accelerate their development
• Working on specific skills like dribbling, passing, or shooting
• Building confidence before joining a team
• Supplementing team training with extra focused practice
• Preparing for tryouts or competitive play

🏆 Labor Day Weekend Classic

Join us for a Labor Day weekend classic proudly hosted by Laguna United FC in beautiful Laguna Niguel, featuring some of the best all-weather turf and natural grass fields in Orange County.

Keep Your Player Growing Year-Round

Whether your player wants more touches, more training, or simply more fun, LNYSA offers year-round ways to stay connected to the game.

Spring 2026 Recreational Soccer Overview

Spring 2026 is going to be a special season in Laguna Niguel — fun, community-focused soccer for ages 3–12, plus a fresh new look inspired by the world’s biggest stage.

💰 Registration Fees

• A volunteer opt-out fee applies if you are unable to contribute 1–2 hours during the season (option available during registration).

🗓️ Key Dates for Spring 2026

• Waitlist: Begins once a division is full or closed
• Late February 2026: Game schedules published
• Mon, Feb 25, 2026: Practices begin (some divisions)
• Sat, Feb 28, 2026: Opening Day — World Cup kit debut!
• Tue, Mar 3, 2026: Weekly Skills Clinics begin (U6–U12)
• Sat, Apr 4, 2026: Game Blackout
• Mon–Fri, Apr 6–10, 2026: Spring Recess
• Sat, May 9, 2026: 🎉 Final Day of Games

📅 For the full list of key dates, visit the League Calendar.

Ready for Spring Soccer?

Join the fun, build skills, and be part of a great season in Laguna Niguel.