playing up

[footy1234]

Is it fairly uncommon for players to regularly play with an older age group if their skill level warrants it? We are with one of the bigger clubs in the area and my kid has been able to play up and essentially be on two teams this year, which has been amazing for their development. If they were limited to their actual age group they would be incredibly bored and unchallenged, but the only reason there has been the opportunity to play up is because of a strong relationship with the older team's coach and regular/weekly invitations to play in games, tournaments, etc. That option will not always be there and I worry about stalled development. It seems that playing/maintaining a team with their actual birth year is mandated, at least at this particular club. Is that the case everywhere? I recognize future cons with playing outside of birth year as well as the pros. Just wondering if playing up is really not something that's allowed broadly (not just at our club). TIA!

[Blutarski]

I think playing up is fairly uncommon because it is rare that exceptional players warrant it and it makes sense for their development. There are lots of factors that should go into whether playing up a year makes sense including the nature of their advanced skill, physical stature, the performance levels of both age groups in that particular position, the coaching environment etc. Playing up typically occurs as a result of players being more physically mature than their peers. Usually this is a temporary thing, and the gap closes by U16 (for girls anyway) at which point the player may return to his/her age group. In any event, I have never seen a club that wouldn't at least consider it if it makes sense. My point is there is alot involved in that decision that may or may not be evident. Conversation is probably required with the club.

[brsmith]

I'm not sure how common this is, but we've had two kids who played up- one regularly, the other on occasion.

OP- You mentioned your kid is bored in their age group. Have you considered joining a more challenging team (on age level)?

[ECNLDD]

brsmith wrote:I'm not sure how common this is, but we've had two kids who played up- one regularly, the other on occasion.

OP- You mentioned your kid is bored in their age group. Have you considered joining a more challenging team (on age level)?

Agreed, try playing for a club that has an ECNL team; trust me she would not be bored with the competition. Unless your DD is starting for top age up team, playing significant minutes and is a difference maker; i would stick to your age group. Only a handful of those players in DMV area.

Most times kids end up playing up because they are leaving a club to a new club and that is one of the parent demands. Rarely works out.

[footy1234]

Thanks all for your replies. My kid is on the "top" team of a club that has historically been very successful but unfortunately not as much in recent years. Perhaps we do need to consider other clubs to find a more challenging same-age team. Given where we're located it could mean a lot of extra time in the car, but I know that's a sacrifice a lot of families are making to be with the right club. Appreciate the input!

[mdsoccerdad]

The list of positives for playing up is WAY WAY WAY shorter than the list to play on age.

[personanongrata]

If this is a younger player, U12 and under, I would have them on a year round futsal team. Outdoor team doesn't matter as long as the commute is short enough to allow the time and money to focus on futsal.

[NovaDad74]

I think there are lots of benefits to letting kids play up. I can recognize 1 kid might be invited to play up at one club, but not be invited up at the next club. Our club frequently allowed it when they were short on players, but once the playing rosters filled up over the winter recruitment drive, the invitations stopped. We have 1 kid who tried out for a year up and made the second team of only two teams. She will play up for the entire season (although she is only an average player) because of the contract at the start of the season. I have also seen coaches not want players to play up as they fear loosing their better players and want to keep kids together. I would suggest, if your kid wants to play up, let them tryout for the higher team. It might ruffle some feathers, but the situation could change where there are no guest slots for you kid to play up later. Or the coaches might change and the option is gone.