Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

[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:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Your road might be harder if you play up, can't start and the B team option doesn't get scouted.

This is also why clubs are going to group by grade and just not tell parents. Some parents just cant accept that their kid isnt very good.

You talk out both sides of your mouth. They're good enough to play up on grade just to make things "easier" for clubs and college coaches BUT not good enough to play on their actual age group? That's not fair to them. They deserve their best opportunity.

This is what the correct grade in school B team is for.

Not if they're good enough on A on age. That's why there was on average 1 misaligned player per team in the previous SY era.

Clubs that matter won't allow Aug birthdays playing down. They're a waste of time and resources.

Clubs will never know grades, they try to limit excepts, and want few playing up.

Every ECNL player profile lists their graduation year

And on most teams about a third typically are blank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

The point is that you don't need to play up as college coaches pointed out that playing up is unnecessary.

You do though. As soon as a college coach figures out that an Aug birthday is playing on a grade down team red flags and alarms will go off in their head. Maybe players can overcome the red flags but its an uphill battle that doesn't need to occur. Just play up on the correct grade in school club team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

The point is that you don't need to play up as college coaches pointed out that playing up is unnecessary.

You do though. As soon as a college coach figures out that an Aug birthday is playing on a grade down team red flags and alarms will go off in their head. Maybe players can overcome the red flags but its an uphill battle that doesn't need to occur. Just play up on the correct grade in school club team.

You no doubt disagree with the reality of RAE, but if youth soccer adopted your forcing up plan you'd drive more Aug-Sept players out of the sport than send to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

The point is that you don't need to play up as college coaches pointed out that playing up is unnecessary.

You do though. As soon as a college coach figures out that an Aug birthday is playing on a grade down team red flags and alarms will go off in their head. Maybe players can overcome the red flags but its an uphill battle that doesn't need to occur. Just play up on the correct grade in school club team.

Complete speculation that goes against college coaches and what happened by BY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

The point is that you don't need to play up as college coaches pointed out that playing up is unnecessary.

You do though. As soon as a college coach figures out that an Aug birthday is playing on a grade down team red flags and alarms will go off in their head. Maybe players can overcome the red flags but its an uphill battle that doesn't need to occur. Just play up on the correct grade in school club team.

You no doubt disagree with the reality of RAE, but if youth soccer adopted your forcing up plan you'd drive more Aug-Sept players out of the sport than send to college.

That's what the facts say. Youngest go home, oldest play on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

I know exactly what you're suggesting. Its one of the issues with SY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

I know exactly what you're suggesting. Its one of the issues with SY.

It's not really an issue, though. It's an opportunity for those players to start and given the visibility of these clubs which typically send multiple age groups to playoffs, likely NOT a recruiting problem. Maybe it's even a better chance for coaches to see them perform. And maybe these clubs have no choice, especially if they've got Aug-Dec kids from above joining the younger group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

Clubs that do things like this have to be careful. Ringers or Guest Players whatever you wanr to call them piss off parents that are paying for events.

I could see a situation where a club rostered an Aug birthday with their grade but played them down for tournamants.

It would also make sense to roster Aug birthdays with their grade and participate in Sophmore level showcases two years in a row.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

Clubs that do things like this have to be careful. Ringers or Guest Players whatever you wanr to call them piss off parents that are paying for events.

I could see a situation where a club rostered an Aug birthday with their grade but played them down for tournamants.

It would also make sense to roster Aug birthdays with their grade and participate in Sophmore level showcases two years in a row.

But with these new age rules, these players aren't ringers. They are teammates. Why keep them on the bench when they can start? These top tier clubs certainly care about recruiting but they also care very much about winning. They will maximize these advantages, especially when it makes sense for the player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

Clubs that do things like this have to be careful. Ringers or Guest Players whatever you wanr to call them piss off parents that are paying for events.

I could see a situation where a club rostered an Aug birthday with their grade but played them down for tournamants.

It would also make sense to roster Aug birthdays with their grade and participate in Sophmore level showcases two years in a row.

But with these new age rules, these players aren't ringers. They are teammates. Why keep them on the bench when they can start? These top tier clubs certainly care about recruiting but they also care very much about winning. They will maximize these advantages, especially when it makes sense for the player.

Technically players arent supposed to play more than one game per day. I realize this gets thrown out the window all the time.

Its just a situation thats guaranteed to cause unneeded drama.

[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:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

Clubs that do things like this have to be careful. Ringers or Guest Players whatever you wanr to call them piss off parents that are paying for events.

I could see a situation where a club rostered an Aug birthday with their grade but played them down for tournamants.

It would also make sense to roster Aug birthdays with their grade and participate in Sophmore level showcases two years in a row.

But with these new age rules, these players aren't ringers. They are teammates. Why keep them on the bench when they can start? These top tier clubs certainly care about recruiting but they also care very much about winning. They will maximize these advantages, especially when it makes sense for the player.

Its humorous how quickly you changed from playing with your age to having no issues with players playing with their grade as long as they can play a level down now and then and beat up on the younger kids now and then.

[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:Girl soccer - U15 ECNL

As a result of 8/1 to 7/31 change my daughter will have a second U15 year.

Have any of the clubs shared how they will handle players that move down in 2026-27 (play with the younger group) but their graduation year is more in align with the higher age group?

Our concern is while she will get an extra U15 year her graduation year has not changed. U15 teams usually go to less showcases than U16 - so she will miss out on exposure to college coaches that attend U16 games. Regardless of her birthday communication with college coaches will start next summer for her. How are clubs helping kids like mine still get recruited? Are they allowing those in the appropriate grad. Year play up for showcases? How does that work with team chemistry?

This is exactly why Aug birthdays playing on a grade down team doesnt work.

Told you, the troll toll tanks a discussion again.

The grade concern in this example is real. It'll be up to the clubs and college coaches to address it. Doom and gloom Aug guy thinks there's only one solution. Others say recruiting is more sophisticated, especially if the player is already on a school's radar via highlights, talent IDs and a player reaching out.

I think perhaps a reason why we haven't seen specific answers on this is because these are case-by-case situations. Every club and player is different. In some cases, the player will play up. In others, they'll play on age. We're wrong to say we know what one way is best.

Thats the issue. You're going to work twice as hard to get noticed by college coaches just to play on a grade down team. I you play on the correct grade in school team everything works and is easy.

Good luck getting noticed playing up vs playing on age. Tough to get noticed constantly moving around the pitch as a fill in or sub or bench warmer when you you can be central to a club on age.

If you cant handle playing against players in your grade how would you expect to get noticed by college coaches? It just doesnt make sense.

It makes perfect sense if you are a striker at a top flight club where both possible teams you could play on are playing in the ECNL playoffs. Say Player A is a striker on the newly formed 10-11 team and is the better player and is an Oct birthday. The kid's backup who is definitely still amazing is an Aug. misaligned kid, who would be the starter on the 11-12 team. Both teams go to showcases and the playoffs. I'm pretty sure the club coaches and college scouts will be able to figure it out with the backup playing as started by playing on age.

So now you're floating that Aug birthdays will play on 2 teams at once. Again exactly what nobody wants. This is the kind of nonsense playing down invites.

No, I'm talking about what's happening and likely to happen now. You said there's no scenario where it would make sense for a top club. Here's one where it would make perfect sense to all, where a current backup on a highlevel team at a highlevel club plays on age, even if misaligned to start. Other positions, even more so, like CB or goal keeper. Think about it.

Clubs that do things like this have to be careful. Ringers or Guest Players whatever you wanr to call them piss off parents that are paying for events.

I could see a situation where a club rostered an Aug birthday with their grade but played them down for tournamants.

It would also make sense to roster Aug birthdays with their grade and participate in Sophmore level showcases two years in a row.

But with these new age rules, these players aren't ringers. They are teammates. Why keep them on the bench when they can start? These top tier clubs certainly care about recruiting but they also care very much about winning. They will maximize these advantages, especially when it makes sense for the player.

Technically players arent supposed to play more than one game per day. I realize this gets thrown out the window all the time.

Its just a situation thats guaranteed to cause unneeded drama.

No, you misunderstand the example. As teams move from BY to SY, players already playing at a high level probably will be OK even if they end up misaligned, especially if those teams are already still going to the ECNL playoffs. Here's an even more stark example: Say 2010 Oct star striker moves to the 10-11 team. The 2011 Aug misaligned star striker moves to the 11-12 team. Both still playing at the highest level of ECNL, both still getting seen by scouts. Both still starting and building their highlight reel.