How are your Aug-Dec kids doing re:offers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

How has your Aug-Dec kids offers been?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

You can live in fear or be fearless.

Sometimes you have to do whats right for your kid (long term development) vs what brings the club short term wins.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Yeah, they'll be offered the grade they want, but on the B team. Still, maybe it's worth asking/exploring if that's what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

You can live in fear or be fearless.

Sometimes you have to do whats right for your kid (long term development) vs what brings the club short term wins.

So your plan is no plan at all then if you can't name clubs in NOVA that would support playing up and not just put the kids on the bench one group up to appease parents and punish the player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

You didn’t answer the question - AT ALL. Tell us or you theory is just a theory from a no nothing anonymous poster. Which club is giving options. I will ask this question every post until you answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

You can live in fear or be fearless.

Sometimes you have to do whats right for your kid (long term development) vs what brings the club short term wins.

Sacrificing your kid for bravado is dumb. Funny that you want to start a revolution just to get that Aug girl off your daughter's team.

How about you play your girl up and others can handle their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Yeah, they'll be offered the grade they want, but on the B team. Still, maybe it's worth asking/exploring if that's what you want.

Who is they offering the B team one grade up?

And that doesn't seem like a good path at all if college recruiting is the plan. Better to stay on A team rather self demoting my kid. They worked hard to get to the top, not willing to just throw that away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

You can live in fear or be fearless.

Sometimes you have to do whats right for your kid (long term development) vs what brings the club short term wins.

Sacrificing your kid for bravado is dumb. Funny that you want to start a revolution just to get that Aug girl off your daughter's team.

How about you play your girl up and others can handle their kids.

Its more funny how many times you're responding to yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

Many players - most, have tried this, but when it is a league rule, and the club decides to enforce it— no go. Tell me the club, team that has not followed the league rules. I will keep asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

Many players - most, have tried this, but when it is a league rule, and the club decides to enforce it— no go. Tell me the club, team that has not followed the league rules. I will keep asking.

. * I obviously responded to the wrong post. But still, give us the name of the club/ team allowing Aug-Sept kids to play on grade- would love to know. I will keep asking…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While this does affect a few, many don't really care about this debate (other than people are treated fairly). Many more DO/did like talking about offers to share information. Sigh.

Well, past the time for a funeral dirge on this thread.

Swing low, sweet chariot ...

This directly affects how teams will be rostered this fall.

If clubs want wins and dont care about player development Aug birthdays will be rostered on one team.

If clubs do care about player development and want to keep teams together long term Aug birthdays will be rostered on a different team.

What type of club is your kid participating in?

Why just attack August kids? What about September kids?

And the PP is right so few kids are in this situation that clubs can handle case by case, like they say around here.

All these years January and February kids aren't a thing, but now August and September kids need their own league and rules

Flaming pile of manure nonsense

Its because in BY grade doesnt apply.

Thinking it grade came into the rules in the switch from BY to SY is delusional.

Okay, so if grade has nothing to do with the new rules, why call it SY?

“School year” and “grade” are not equivalent categories. One is a time frame. The other is an academic placement. They overlap culturally, but they are not the same thing.

“SY” is simply a tag for the new registration window: August 1 through July 31. That’s it. It’s a clean data set. A standardized 12-month block that leagues can organize around.

Think of it like fiscal year versus calendar year. No one believes a fiscal year defines when the sun rises. It’s just a framework for accounting. Same principle here. SY isn’t redefining grade. It’s defining a uniform operational window.

The confusion happens because in youth sports we’ve historically blurred grade, birth year, and team placement as if they’re interchangeable. They’re not. Grade is academic progression. Birth year is biological timing. SY is an administrative cycle.

Why call it SY at all? Because leagues need a consistent reference point that aligns with how families already think about seasonal transitions. August to July mirrors the rhythm of a school calendar without being the same thing. It’s a scheduling spine, not a developmental philosophy.

So if grade has nothing to do with the rule itself, calling it SY doesn’t contradict that. SY names the time block. Grade remains an academic marker. Team placement remains a developmental decision.

Administrative clarity and player development are two different conversations. Mixing them creates noise. Separating them creates better decisions for kids.

This logical factual explanation is wasted on the recipient

The issue is if you bring College Recuiting into the mix Graduating Year (grade in school) becomes part of the equation. Like it or not.

Then why don't the MLS Club academies do grade year since they send the highest percentage of players to college teams?

England has SY, they don't group by school grades

Age guy, aka a club has the answer.

"The new two-year age group structure will not negatively impact college recruiting. College coaches evaluate players based on their performance, development, and potential—not the exact age grouping of their club team."

Seems college coaches don't care what age group you are in because of transfers, foreign players, redshirts and players from all different flavor HS aged players. All have to be evaluated to find the best.

This is nonsense.

College coaches are comparing you against all the other players available in your graduating year. Throw out the foreigners and transfer players because these happen independent of youth club soccer.

If you had two equivalent players in rhe same graduating year but one played correct grade and the other played down a grade in club Which one will 99% of people choose?

Dear Soccer Dunce,
The college recruiter is looking at soccer talent, performance, potential and if the person fits their program.
That's who they choose.

Don't give a rats behind about school grade

I guarantee the first thing every college coach figures out before considering a player is their graduating year aka grade in school.

You probably should lookup what guarantee means

I guarantee that college coaches will confirm each players graduating year before considering them. Specifically because of below.

NCAA Division I and II soccer coaches can start directly contacting, emailing, and calling student-athletes on June 15 after their Sophomore year.

And that isn't related to the age group or team they play for.

Are you dense?

It 100% tell a college coach which level a player is playing at in relation to their graduation year.

No, the team a player plays on does not define their ability. That's like saying everyone on a team is of equal talent. Colleges coaches evaluate players regardless of the team they play for.

Since you're obviously a youngers parent I'll describe this in a way that you'll understand d. Think of Aug birthdays that choose to play down like July birthdays in club. They're always going to be the last ones to get picked.

Are players picked for colleges like a kickball game or are college coaches figuring out the best fits from players that contacted them directly, from all age groups, transfers and foreign players. Scouting say the latter.

Its not age groups to college coaches.

College coaches group players by graduating year.

Most college coaches don’t show up to recruit a whole team. They are looking at one position and if your kid is good enough at that position they will show up. maybe you won’t get the bump of ending up on someone’s radar because you balled out when they were in town scouting someone else, but if that’s what you think you need to get recruited, it’s going to be tough out there.

Did i say anything about team? You added that.

I said every player is judged against other players in their graduating year aka grade in school.

This makes the most sense IMO. Two similarly talented juniors on separate teams reach out to same college coach attending a showcase event. Due to scheduling, Coach can’t attend both games. Kid A is a junior playing primarily with and against other juniors. Kid B is a junior playing primarily with and against Sophmores. Which game you think college coach prioritizes? If you ever been to a recruiting year showcase this is a legitimate hypothetical.

College coach is going to the game where the player would be the best fit for their program or could do a half for each.

According to college coaches the age group of the kid just doesn't matter to college coaches. It's very possible that the play is higher level at the younger age.

Making hypothetical judgements for fear is bogus. Players are evaluated not their teams.

If you personally have FOMO, than decide for your kid and move on. Everyone else can make their own decisions for their kids without your fake "help.'

Bolded x 100

Very possible. Let’s say that team is made up of freshman and kid is a sophomore. That team wouldn’t even be able to attend the event with the most college coaches, ECNL Florida. At the moment that event is for sophomores /U16 and up. Just things to clubs/parents/kids should weigh.

Any how is that handled now -- with multiple grade teams Mr. Smarty Pants? I think you'll have your answer.

You play on your correct grade in school team and there are no issues.

Oh, GY for showcases? And multi-grade for league? That's what I thought.

No SY

Same thing (except for birth date holdbacks -- oh, but down we blacklist them?) No, they aren't.

Holdbacks are cheating trying to play on teams with younger players.

They are welcome to play on whatever age team they actually are.

You simply do not know what you are talking about. The kids are not given an option. Period. You make it sound like the kids are choosing to play down out of their SY. I have not talked to a single person who was given this option. Most would prefer to stay with their SY recruiting window, but sadly, the option was denied them. There is not a glut of kids purposely playing down to dominate at a younger age. Just stop.

I know exactly what Im talking about and have been dealing with play down parents for years.

If your club isnt letting Aug birthdays play on the correct grade in school team find another club.

Which club, and which years, since the rule change, is giving the kids a choice whether to play down or play up? Name the club so we can find this new unicorn club? You want to be helpful, tell us where we can go to not have to play down without a choice?

Heres what will happen. A few Aug parents will say screw this. Its dumb not playing on the team thats my grade in school. They'll threaten to leave the club and the club will have allowing them to play on. the coreect grade team. When this happens others will hear about it and do the same.

Seems like an unnecessary risk without actually having a back up team that will definitely allow playing up in the DMV for their top clubs. Have one?

Families that try to pull these stunts get banned from clubs and word travels around here.

Many players - most, have tried this, but when it is a league rule, and the club decides to enforce it— no go. Tell me the club, team that has not followed the league rules. I will keep asking.

There's no league rule that Aug (or any) birthday cant play up on the correct grade in school team.