ECNL moving to school year not calendar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, did not read the previous 927 pages but this mean that the April-July kids will now be the least likely to make the team? After this change was announced I looked at our roster to realize that most kids were born January through May, and then we have two July/August kids and only one born in October after the new cutoff. Is this typical? My son is born in July and I am a bit concern what this shift will mean for him next year.

Feels like a troll, but yes this the current landscape and it will be changing drastically in fall 2026

Huh? Why would this be a troll post? This is what my son’s team look like and I was curious if that is the case more or less across the board. If so, then I think there is a good reason to believe that things will become an uphill battle for him next year having a July birthday and being still quite young.

It depends on how many Sept-Q4 kids are on the older team. Sounds like perhaps not many. The age cut offs have probably caused a lot of Q4 kids to drop soccer.

U14 and above, think of each team as composed of the best kids, middle of the pack, and bubble. If, after the change, your kid will on the bubble they will be at risk if there are stronger replacements.

However, as pointed out, there are simply not that many Nov/Dec kids left after u14 on top teams. they've been winnowed down over the years and given less opportunity - the ones remaining are likely very good, but few in numbers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, did not read the previous 927 pages but this mean that the April-July kids will now be the least likely to make the team? After this change was announced I looked at our roster to realize that most kids were born January through May, and then we have two July/August kids and only one born in October after the new cutoff. Is this typical? My son is born in July and I am a bit concern what this shift will mean for him next year.

Feels like a troll, but yes this the current landscape and it will be changing drastically in fall 2026

Huh? Why would this be a troll post? This is what my son’s team look like and I was curious if that is the case more or less across the board. If so, then I think there is a good reason to believe that things will become an uphill battle for him next year having a July birthday and being still quite young.

It depends on how many Sept-Q4 kids are on the older team. Sounds like perhaps not many. The age cut offs have probably caused a lot of Q4 kids to drop soccer.

U14 and above, think of each team as composed of the best kids, middle of the pack, and bubble. If, after the change, your kid will on the bubble they will be at risk if there are stronger replacements.

However, as pointed out, there are simply not that many Nov/Dec kids left after u14 on top teams. they've been winnowed down over the years and given less opportunity - the ones remaining are likely very good, but few in numbers.

My daughter is a starting Sept birthday on a top 30 in the nation ranked u15 team. There's 2 other starters that are younger than she is and 1 bench olayer that's also a Sept birthday.

Your dream ray excuse doesn't exist.

[Anonymous]

YMMV

[Anonymous]

I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:YMMV

The problem with RAY is that it's a convenient excuse for a large number of parents. Yes the biggest kids get picked first when they're young and yes generally the biggest kids are older when they're young. But once you get past u13 on a highly ranked team just being the big kid doesn't cut it. The kid who put in the hours with futsal, or private training, or playing in alternative leagues on top of the regular league are the ones coaches are looking for. Even better if you're doing all the extras and are the big kid.

Something I've noticed at top teams is sometimes coaches are lazy and use players pedigree ie which club, team, or league players play in as a gate. Ironically the coach from the top team in the nation looks at all players + also spends time watching and recruiting players that aren't approaching him. He's incredibly nice and professional but 100% focused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, did not read the previous 927 pages but this mean that the April-July kids will now be the least likely to make the team? After this change was announced I looked at our roster to realize that most kids were born January through May, and then we have two July/August kids and only one born in October after the new cutoff. Is this typical? My son is born in July and I am a bit concern what this shift will mean for him next year.

Feels like a troll, but yes this the current landscape and it will be changing drastically in fall 2026

Huh? Why would this be a troll post? This is what my son’s team look like and I was curious if that is the case more or less across the board. If so, then I think there is a good reason to believe that things will become an uphill battle for him next year having a July birthday and being still quite young.

It depends on how many Sept-Q4 kids are on the older team. Sounds like perhaps not many. The age cut offs have probably caused a lot of Q4 kids to drop soccer.

U14 and above, think of each team as composed of the best kids, middle of the pack, and bubble. If, after the change, your kid will on the bubble they will be at risk if there are stronger replacements.

However, as pointed out, there are simply not that many Nov/Dec kids left after u14 on top teams. they've been winnowed down over the years and given less opportunity - the ones remaining are likely very good, but few in numbers.

My daughter is a starting Sept birthday on a top 30 in the nation ranked u15 team. There's 2 other starters that are younger than she is and 1 bench olayer that's also a Sept birthday.

Your dream ray excuse doesn't exist.

There is probably wide variance. Teams like your daughter’s are probably going to be very problematic for the bubble players, but my kid is the only Q4 on his team. Most of the teams are stacked with Q1 to Q3 players. The exceptional teams like your daughter’s are likely to dominate when the change occurs given that they have multiple Q4s with experience playing well against older players.

[Anonymous]

I’m pretty sure ECNL is also going to allow two games in a day for league play as long as they are on min restriction. So players can play BY/SY teams if they are at the level once the age change happens. Get ready lots of changes coming in 26/27 more than just age group changes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m pretty sure ECNL is also going to allow two games in a day for league play as long as they are on min restriction. So players can play BY/SY teams if they are at the level once the age change happens. Get ready lots of changes coming in 26/27 more than just age group changes.

I'm pretty sure you're wrong.

As players get older playing 2 high level games the same day is a recipe for acl issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, did not read the previous 927 pages but this mean that the April-July kids will now be the least likely to make the team? After this change was announced I looked at our roster to realize that most kids were born January through May, and then we have two July/August kids and only one born in October after the new cutoff. Is this typical? My son is born in July and I am a bit concern what this shift will mean for him next year.

Feels like a troll, but yes this the current landscape and it will be changing drastically in fall 2026

Huh? Why would this be a troll post? This is what my son’s team look like and I was curious if that is the case more or less across the board. If so, then I think there is a good reason to believe that things will become an uphill battle for him next year having a July birthday and being still quite young.

It depends on how many Sept-Q4 kids are on the older team. Sounds like perhaps not many. The age cut offs have probably caused a lot of Q4 kids to drop soccer.

U14 and above, think of each team as composed of the best kids, middle of the pack, and bubble. If, after the change, your kid will on the bubble they will be at risk if there are stronger replacements.

However, as pointed out, there are simply not that many Nov/Dec kids left after u14 on top teams. they've been winnowed down over the years and given less opportunity - the ones remaining are likely very good, but few in numbers.

My daughter is a starting Sept birthday on a top 30 in the nation ranked u15 team. There's 2 other starters that are younger than she is and 1 bench olayer that's also a Sept birthday.

Your dream ray excuse doesn't exist.

There is probably wide variance. Teams like your daughter’s are probably going to be very problematic for the bubble players, but my kid is the only Q4 on his team. Most of the teams are stacked with Q1 to Q3 players. The exceptional teams like your daughter’s are likely to dominate when the change occurs given that they have multiple Q4s with experience playing well against older players.

In our case I'm fairly certain that all the sept-dec birthdays will stay with the team they're on now. The year down team is even higher ranked. From a club perspective it will be easier to leave things alone. It might make sense to be more grade focused when new u13 teams are formed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

I wasn't asking for advice -- most parents know what it takes to get ahead. Sometimes doing ALL the extra stuff doesn't help OR is desired OR does more harm than good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

Actually, this sounds more like a humble troll, all the etc., etc., etc. to distract from the larger point. Not much likely will change for older Sept-Q4 players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

Actually, this sounds more like a humble troll, all the etc., etc., etc. to distract from the larger point. Not much likely will change for older Sept-Q4 players.

How sad must life be to come humble troll brag on an anonymous forum…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

Actually, this sounds more like a humble troll, all the etc., etc., etc. to distract from the larger point. Not much likely will change for older Sept-Q4 players.

How sad must life be to come humble troll brag on an anonymous forum…

I think what's more sad is jumping on an anonymous and constantly complaining how life isn't fair and how everything is an excuse. The problem is there will always be more people thinking that they're a victim then those who address the issue and move on. This is because it's easy to be a consider yourself a victim + takes no extra effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Q4 teen from 2009 and has been on the second team the past 5 years at a strong regional club ...Kid is solid/loves to play/now playing HS starting as a freshmen but on club always was passed over by kids who were just a little bit better OR by kids recruited in from the outside ... Do I think there's a chance of moving up when the club switches to SY? ... It would be nice but I know better and now I think it's almost too late for that. That's why I shrug at all those thinking otherwise.

My Sept birthday 2010 has been playing since she was 3, futsal from 5-13, boys teams, Mexican league teams, private training, camps, etc, etc, etc. We also tried out at all the clubs in the area every season when she was younger and still do sessions here and there with other teams to maintain connections. There's a reason she's on the top team.

I'm highlighting not to humble brag. I'm doing it so you understand what's required to play on the top team at a top club.

Actually, this sounds more like a humble troll, all the etc., etc., etc. to distract from the larger point. Not much likely will change for older Sept-Q4 players.

How sad must life be to come humble troll brag on an anonymous forum…

I think what's more sad is jumping on an anonymous and constantly complaining how life isn't fair and how everything is an excuse. The problem is there will always be more people thinking that they're a victim then those who address the issue and move on. This is because it's easy to be a consider yourself a victim + takes no extra effort.

Exactly, please tell everyone more about how you did nothing extra outside of showing up for practice and didn't get moved up to the top team.