The AYSO Academy program is very similar to the AYSO Core program. The major difference between an Academy and the normal AYSO structure is there are no fixed teams under an Academy system. Instead the Academy train altogether but divided into groups of players of the same ability, which normally aligns with players actual age, however it also allows players to train at the most appropriate ability. It also means that an individual player can move between groups to best meet their needs as they develop.

While there are not fixed teams, the Academy will form teams to have scrimmages / small sided games.