“We love ESL! We started at AYSO, but ESL is definitely a more competitive/skilled league if you are looking to have your children’s soccer abilities grow. All 3 of my kids have been in Elite. Highly recommend!”
Thinking About AYSO? Here's How ESL Compares
Many of our families switched from AYSO and other traditional leagues. Here’s what they found at ESL:
| Feature | AYSO & Traditional Leagues | Elite Soccer League |
|---|---|---|
| Team selection | Random draft each season | Pick your own team & coach |
| Team continuity | Re-drafted every year | Teams stay together season to season |
| Programs | Seasonal rec only | Year-round: fall → winter → spring → camps |
| Competitive pathway | None | CFA club soccer for players ready for more |
| Game schedule | Varies | Saturday games, 9–10 per season |
| Community | Large, impersonal regions | Local South OC fields since 2006 |
| Registration | Closes early | Waitlist open now |
MINI KICKERS
$155
Ages 3–4
REC
$195
Ages 5–7
REC PLUS
$215
Ages 8–12
Saturday games • September 12 – November 14 • 9–10 games per season
Fall Soccer Registration in South Orange County
Looking for an AYSO alternative in South Orange County? ESL fall soccer registration has closed, but the waitlist is open for kids ages 3–14 across San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Ladera Ranch. Unlike AYSO and other traditional league sign-ups, ESL lets you pick your own team and request coaches — no random draft, no tryouts. Saturday games run September through November.
⏱ Registration is closed — the waitlist is open. Most waitlisted players still get placed on a team as rosters are finalized. If we can’t place your child, you get a full refund.
Join the Fall Waitlist →