Tournament teams or sometimes called traveling teams are teams that are privately funded and managed under the sanction and observation of the Region. Coaches who wish to run a tournament team file a roster with the Region Tournament Director. AYSO currently sanctions tournaments for 10U and above only. These are select teams and player rosters are strictly at the discretion of the team or coach. Around the Southland there is usually one tournament a month during the "off season" - November through July. A list of tournaments can be found at AYSO Soccer Tournament Calendar web site. Tournament teams pay their own registration fees, which vary from $450.00 to $700.00 per tournament and supply their own uniforms.

A tournament is any organized special event that brings together teams of soccer players for the purpose of competing in soccer games; whether for sportsmanship, friendship, a championship or other competitive recognition, with or without awards or other recognition, in an environment that is good for the players and good for the game.

Tournaments can either be a play-off system for the primary program, or a secondary-play program activity. They can be for-fun (i.e. a soccerfest) or for competition (i.e. a play-off with an eventual winner). But mostly, tournaments are intended as a means to allow kids an additional opportunity to play soccer.

Participating in a successful tournament should be the source of good memories and lasting friendships for both the hosts and guests. Innumerable hours of hard work and preparation by a staff of dedicated volunteers are necessary to have a successful tournament experience.